Creamy Chicken Casserole: A Comforting and Flavorful Delight

Are you in the mood for a comforting and creamy dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in? Look no further than this delicious Creamy Chicken Casserole! Packed with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and flavorful pesto, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your household. Let’s dive into the details of this scrumptious recipe.

Ingredients

• 1 (6 oz.) package fresh baby spinach, chopped
• ⅓ cup refrigerated pesto sauce
• 1 (15 oz.) jar Alfredo sauce
• ¼ cup chicken broth
• 12 ounces uncooked penne pasta, cooked according to package directions
• 2 ½ cups chopped rotisserie chicken
• 4 ounces pre-shredded low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese (about 1 cup)
• 2 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh basil
• ¼ teaspoon paprika

Directions

1. Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F. While the oven is heating, chop the fresh baby spinach and mix it with the pesto sauce in a medium bowl. This will be the vibrant green layer that adds a fresh burst of flavor to your casserole.

2. Prepare the Alfredo Mixture

In another bowl, combine the Alfredo sauce and chicken broth. This creamy mixture will bind all the ingredients together, ensuring every bite is rich and delicious.

3. Layer the Ingredients

Spread one-third of the Alfredo mixture (about ½ cup) into a lightly greased 11- x 7-inch baking dish. This will create the first layer of your casserole. Top it with half of the spinach and pesto mixture.

4. Combine and Layer

In a large bowl, stir together the cooked penne pasta, chopped rotisserie chicken, and the remaining Alfredo mixture. Spoon half of this chicken mixture over the spinach layer in the baking dish. Repeat the layers once more with the remaining spinach mixture and chicken mixture.

5. Bake and Add Cheese

Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Return the dish to the oven and bake until the cheese is hot and bubbly, about 5 minutes.

6. Garnish and Serve

Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and sprinkle it with the thinly sliced fresh basil and a dash of paprika for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Calories: 640 kcal per serving
• Servings: 6 servings

Tips for Success

• Rotisserie Chicken: Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor to the dish. You can also use leftover cooked chicken if you prefer.
• Pasta: Make sure to cook the penne pasta al dente according to the package directions. This ensures the pasta holds up well during baking.
• Cheese: For a golden and bubbly top, broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes after adding the cheese.

This Creamy Chicken Casserole is a delightful blend of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors with a touch of freshness from the spinach and basil. It’s perfect for those nights when you crave comfort food that’s easy to make yet incredibly satisfying. Give this recipe a try, and it might just become a staple in your meal rotation! Enjoy!