Creamy Pesto Raviolo Bake

Ok, here is another Kathy original!  And I figured it was time to post something you could eat for dinner vs just having desserts all the time! 

It was my turn to to make family dinner yesterday and I knew I would end up making something like this, just wasn't sure on all the details in advance.  I was constantly making changes, including the Parmesan panko topping, which happened at the last minute!  Regardless of not doing much advance planning, this one turned out so good and I will be making it again!

Though probably not this summer as it heated up my kitchen pretty good!  It was also a hit with my family and that is always a bonus!

Ingredients:

1 13oz package of Turkey Sausage links
1 cup of shredded or diced cooked chicken (I had some in my freezer ready to go, this could be ommitted)
1 package of cheese filled pasta ( I used ravioli but you could use tortellini or any non-filled pasta as well)
1 cube butter/margarine
2 cups whipping cream
1/2 cup milk or half and half
1 80z block of cream cheese
3/4 cup Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons of minced garlic
3 heaping tablespoons of pesto

Topping: Optional
4 tablespoons of melted butter
1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese
Sliced green onions

Directions:

1.  Cook sausage either on the grill or on the stove top.  Cook and shred chicken as needed.
2. In a medium saucepan combine the butter, whipping cream, milk, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and pesto.  Stir continuously  until all ingredients are melted and sauce is creamy.  As a note Parmesan cheese takes forever to melt so keep it low and let it simmer for awhile, being careful it doesn't burn.
3. While the sauce is simmering, bring 5 quarts of water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions.  When done, strain out the water. 
4. When the sauce is done you can either put all the ingredients in a large pot on the stove to stir and combine.  Once heated you could serve it at this point.  Should you choose, pour everything into a 9x13 baking dish. Put in 350 oven to keep warm while you make the topping.
5. Combine melted butter, bread crumbs and cheese, add more dry ingredients or butter until the mixture is crumbly.  Spread on top of dish and broil for 3-5 minutes.  Keep an eye on it so it doesn't burn! 
Serve with optional sliced green onions.
Enjoy!