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Creamy Pesto Chicken and Rice Casserole

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Creamy Pesto Chicken and Rice Casserole is a rich, one-dish meal featuring tender chicken, creamy pesto sauce, and perfectly cooked rice. It’s an easy, flavorful bake perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or comforting family dinners.

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/3 cup prepared basil pesto
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for greasing)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together chicken broth, pesto, heavy cream, softened cream cheese, garlic, and onion until smooth.
  3. In the prepared baking dish, combine uncooked rice and the pesto-cream mixture, spreading evenly.
  4. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then nestle it into the rice mixture.
  5. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
  6. Remove the foil, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan on top, and bake uncovered for another 15–20 minutes until chicken is cooked through (165°F/74°C) and rice is tender.
  7. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Add vegetables like chopped spinach, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes before baking.
  • Use rotisserie chicken to save time—just reduce bake time slightly and stir in cooked chicken before topping with cheese.
  • Substitute cream cheese with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
  • Try different cheeses such as gouda or provolone for a new flavor twist.
  • To make it spicier, add red pepper flakes to the pesto mixture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/creamy-pesto-chicken-and-rice-casserole/