Reviewed: Jan. 17, 2012

I thought this was delicious. I wanted to let people know that there is an easier way to make this to save time and reduce clean-up. I used my large stockpot and boiled the pasta first. I then drained the pasta and let it sit in a colander in the sink. In the same pot that I made the pasta, I then cooked thinly sliced chicken in some oil, and added some fresh garlic. After the chicken was cooked, I added the other ingredients right to the pot, mixed it well, and then added the penne. No need for additional mixing bowls. I then poured the mixture into my large 9 x 13 baking stone, and had no problem fitting it all in. Next I sprinkled on the topping and baked for 30 minutes, which was plenty. I thought it was delicious and will make again. I did reduce the chicken to 1 1/2 pounds, the cheese to 2 cups, the pesto to 8 oz, and the penne to 3/4 of the box. If making again, I would do exactly the same, except use the entire box of penne. THis was a keeper! Thanks, Linda!

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Reviewer:

mharbold

Cooking Level: Expert

Home Town: Havertown, Pennsylvania, USA

Living In: Downingtown, Pennsylvania, USA

Reviewed: Jan. 17, 2012

Followed recipe to a T. Was amazing. Flavorful, fresh and EASY - AMEN to that!

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Reviewer:

TILO0002

Cooking Level: Intermediate

Home Town: Hibbing, Minnesota, USA

Living In: Prior Lake, Minnesota, USA

Reviewed: Jan. 17, 2012

This was yummo-licious! As always, I read the reviews to get tips before following a recipe. I made some changes for my family of 4: used 2.5 cups of uncooked whole wheat penne pasta , used half of a 7 oz jar of pesto. Used maybe less than a 1/2 c of crushed tomatoes (eyeballed it to taste). Used 3 oz of cut grilled chicken strips. I used the entire 15 oz jar of alfredo sauce. I don't think I used 3 cups of spinach. I eyeballed this too, to my liking. Used 2 cups of italian blend cheeses and 3/4 c of milk. I used the specified amount of parmesan cheese and bread crumbs, but I probably used 2 TBSP of EVOO because 1 TBSP wasn't enough. My kids are somewhat picky when it comes to eating, and they (and DH) LOVED it! This is definitely a keeper. I agree, it's not a healthy meal, BUT using whole wheat pasta and watching your portions will make a difference. Thanks, Linda, for submitting this wonderful, comforting, family meal!!

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Reviewer:

meekachan

Reviewed: Jan. 17, 2012

I thought this recipe was delicious. I'm glad I listened to others who suggested putting in less pesto. I put in 3/4 cup and it seemed perfect. I would however put half the amount of parmesan cheese in the filling. I felt it was way to much as there is already cheese in the pesto.

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Reviewer:

Julie

Reviewed: Jan. 17, 2012

This was sooo good.... I didn't change a thing.

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Reviewer:

Anita

Cooking Level: Intermediate

Living In: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA

Reviewed: Jan. 17, 2012

Made this last night and it was amazing. The smell lingers in my house still and I am totally okay with that. I seasoned the chicken while cooking it with some minced garlic and montreal chicken seasoning and it was great. Will make it again for sure.

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Reviewer:

jboring79

Reviewed: Jan. 17, 2012

This makes ALOT ~ we're a family of five and have had it as a main dish for supper twice and still have some left over! Don't know how anyone could get this into a 9x13 pan. I used an 11x14 and an additional casserole dish. It's more flavorful the second day ~ I served with leafy green salads. Also added more spinach than it called for as other reviewers suggested and glad I did ~ there's ALOT of pasta. May even be good with brocolli instead? The only thing I will do differently next time is to add some additional alfredo sauce and probably some sauted onion & garlic. Just wasn't as creamy as I anticipated.

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Reviewer:

dawn

Reviewed: Jan. 17, 2012

My family and I loved this. It was so delicious. I had to improvise with a few ingredients but it still turned out fantastic! Thank you for sharing this delightful recipe!

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Reviewer:

Boriqubana

Reviewed: Jan. 16, 2012

I made my own Alfredo sauce because like a lot of others, I don't care for the stuff in a jar. I followed it otherwise tho except used 1 1/2 4 oz jars of pesto. I am cooking for a crowd tonight, so hope they will love it. The jarred pesto was very good and no work! Semi homemade has nothing on us:-)

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Reviewer:

VKARLSBROTEN

Cooking Level: Intermediate

Home Town: Decorah, Iowa, USA

Reviewed: Jan. 16, 2012

I made this recipe for my family who were visiting me for my birthday. They LOVED it! It was easy and great leftover. I highly recommend this great pasta recipe!

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