Creating Cheesy Pesto Chicken Casserole is a simple process. Follow these steps to whip up this delightful dish:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, pesto sauce, cooked pasta, mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything is well coated.
3. Add Cherry Tomatoes: If using, gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes for added color and flavor.
4. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
5. Top with Parmesan: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole for a golden, cheesy finish.
6. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
7. Remove and Cool: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set.
8. Garnish: For a fresh touch, garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

By following these simple steps, you’ll have a delicious Cheesy Pesto Chicken Casserole ready to be enjoyed!