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Pesto Chicken Rice Casserole

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PREP TIME
10 min
COOKING TIME
45 min
TOTAL TIME
55 min
SERVINGS
4 servings
Dinner
Pesto Chicken Rice Casserole
Ingredients
  • cooking spray
  • 1 3/4 cups water, divided
  • 1 (6.9 ounce) package chicken-flavored rice and vermicelli mix
  • 1/4 cup basil pesto, divided
  • 1 pound chicken tenderloins, tendons removed
  • 1/2 cup Alfredo sauce
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to the optimal temperature of 375 degrees Fahrenheit (or 190 degrees Celsius, if you prefer).
2
Next, take a moment to prepare your 8-inch casserole dish by spraying it with cooking spray. This will ensure that the dish releases easily once your meal is cooked.
3
Mix 1 and a half cups of water with rice, seasoning packets, and two tablespoons of pesto in a large bowl. Combine these ingredients thoroughly before pouring the mixture into your prepared casserole dish.
4
In a separate bowl, take the remaining two tablespoons of pesto and toss it with your chicken tenders in a shallow dish. This will coat the chicken evenly, allowing it to absorb all the flavors.
5
Place your prepared chicken on top of the rice mixture in the casserole dish. This will create a beautiful layered effect, making your meal visually appealing.
6
Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. To ensure that your chicken is cooked to perfection, insert an instant-read thermometer into the center of the dish. The temperature should read at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit (or 74 degrees Celsius, if you're using a different scale).
7
Mix the remaining one quarter cup of water with Alfredo sauce in a small bowl. Remove the casserole dish from the oven and pour the Alfredo sauce over the chicken, stirring to combine. This will add a rich and creamy element to your dish.
8
Top the casserole dish with Parmesan cheese, then return it to the oven for an additional 15 minutes. This will allow the cheese to melt and become a golden brown, creating a deliciously gooey texture.
9
Serve your meal immediately, garnished with any additional toppings or sides you desire.