Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our Creamy Pesto Alfredo Chicken Fettuccine Bake! This Italian-inspired dish combines the rich flavors of creamy Alfredo and vibrant pesto, enveloping tender fettuccine and succulent chicken in a cheesy embrace. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe is not only quick to prepare—taking just 35 minutes from start to finish—but also promises to delight your taste buds with every bite. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, cubed
- 1 cup pesto sauce
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Be careful not to overcook, as the pasta will continue to cook in the oven.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the chicken. If using uncooked chicken, season with salt and pepper and cook in a skillet until fully done and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Alternatively, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken, cut into bite-sized cubes.
- Drain the cooked pasta thoroughly in a colander, then return it to the pot. Add the cubed chicken, pesto sauce, and Alfredo sauce. Gently mix to ensure the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the sauces.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place in the preheated oven. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a light golden-brown color.
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes. This allows the sauce to set and makes serving easier. Garnish with fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley if desired.
- Serve hot, portioning out generous servings. Pairs well with a crisp green salad and garlic bread on the side.
Tips
- Perfect Pasta: Be sure to cook the fettuccine just until al dente, as it will continue to soften while baking. This ensures a perfect texture in your final dish.
- Chicken Choices: For a time-saver, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. It adds great flavor and reduces prep time significantly.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix up the cheeses! Adding provolone or fontina can enhance the creaminess and flavor profile.
- Bake with Care: Cover the dish with foil during the first part of baking to keep moisture in, and remove it towards the end for a beautifully golden top.
- Garnish for Flavor: Fresh basil or parsley not only adds a pop of color but also elevates the dish’s flavor—don’t skip this step!
- Pairing Suggestions: Serve with a crisp green salad and some garlic bread for a complete meal that’s sure to impress.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 829kcal
Carbohydrates: 68g
Protein: 41g
Fat: 40g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 99mg
