Pesto Chicken Penne Casserole

Ingredients and Weight:

• Penne pasta (cooked): 500g
• Chicken breast (cubed): 500g
• Pesto sauce: 1 cup
• Cream: 1 cup
• Butter: 50g
• Salt: 1 teaspoon
• Cheddar cheese: 100g (shredded)
• Fresh spinach: 1 bunch (optional)

Preparation Time:

• Preparation: 20 minutes
• Cooking: 40 minutes
• Total: 60 minutes

Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a large pot, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook the chicken cubes until fully cooked and slightly browned. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the pesto sauce, cream, and butter. Mix well.
5. In a baking dish, combine the cooked penne pasta, chicken cubes, and pesto cream mixture. Top with shredded cheese and fresh spinach (if using).
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
7. Serve hot.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: Approx. 600 per serving (based on the ingredients listed)
• Fat: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 35g

Dish Characteristics:

• A creamy and rich casserole with a strong pesto flavor.
• The combination of penne pasta and chicken breast provides a hearty meal.
• The addition of fresh spinach adds a fresh and healthy touch.

User Comments:

1. "This dish was so creamy and delicious! The pesto flavor was perfect."
2. "I added some extra chicken to make it more filling. Great recipe!"
3. "My family loved this casserole. It was easy to make and very tasty."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use fresh ingredients to enhance the flavor of the dish.
• Adjust the amount of pesto sauce based on your preference for a stronger or more mild flavor.
• This dish is suitable for the colder weather, but can be served warm in the summer as well.