Description
A creamy and flavorful Chicken Alfredo Casserole with Spinach and Pesto that combines tender chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, fresh spinach, and vibrant pesto for a comforting and easy weeknight meal, perfect for families and customizable to dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein & Pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
Sauces & Cheese
- 1 ½ cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup pesto sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Other Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta and Chicken: Cook fettuccine pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside. Shred or dice cooked chicken breasts into tender pieces.
- Sauté the Spinach and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Lightly sauté minced garlic until fragrant, then add fresh spinach and cook just until wilted, preserving its bright color.
- Combine Alfredo Sauce and Pesto: In a large mixing bowl, stir together Alfredo sauce with a few generous spoonfuls of pesto to create a luscious, herbaceous base.
- Mix the Casserole Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and sautéed spinach into the sauce mixture. Toss gently to coat evenly, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- Layer the Casserole and Add Cheese: Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top for a golden, bubbly crust.
- Bake Until Bubbly and Golden: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until cheese melts fully and turns golden brown. Let rest a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.
Notes
- Use freshly made Alfredo sauce for superior creaminess.
- Cook pasta slightly under al dente to prevent mushiness during baking.
- Wilt spinach carefully to keep vibrant color and avoid sogginess.
- Adjust pesto quantity to balance herbaceous flavor without overpowering.
- Cover casserole with foil during baking to prevent premature browning and retain moisture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg