This chicken penne casserole is the kind of dish that wraps you in a warm hug. It’s creamy, satisfying, and downright comforting after a long day, making it a family favorite around here.
This recipe addresses convenience, nutritional balance, and flavor in a comforting dish that can be easily prepared by busy home cooks.
I’ve found that busy weeknights can be tricky, especially when you need something quick and tasty. Sometimes, I worry about getting enough veggies into meals, but this casserole sneaks in broccoli and mixed veggies without anyone noticing.
What I love about this recipe is its simplicity. In just about 50 minutes, you can serve up a hearty meal that’ll leave everyone asking for seconds. Each bite has a creamy texture that feels like a hug on a plate, truly a dish you can rely on.
If you want another cozy dish, how about checking out my Ground Beef Hash Brown Casserole?
Table of contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Hearty The creamy sauce with chicken and veggies creates a warm, satisfying dish that’s ideal for chilly evenings or casual family dinners.
- Quick Prep Time With only about 10 minutes of prep, this chicken penne casserole is great for busy weeknights when you need a tasty meal in a hurry.
- Endless Flavor The combination of cream of chicken soup, parmesan, and garlic gives the casserole a rich flavor, making each bite a flavorful experience.
- Make-Ahead Convenience It stores well in the fridge, so if you make it in advance, dinner is just a quick reheat away, saving you time on busy nights.
Chicken Penne Casserole Flavorful Meal
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cool Time: N/A
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Comforting baked chicken penne casserole with broccoli, mixed vegetables, and a creamy mozzarella-Parmesan sauce. Easy weeknight meal that serves six.
Ingredients
Scale
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- 8 ounces (225 g) uncooked penne pasta
- 4 cups (approx. 280 g) broccoli florets, fresh preferred (frozen acceptable)
- 2 cups (approx. 280 g) shredded cooked or rotisserie chicken
- 1 cup (240 ml) frozen mixed vegetables
- 2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 (10.5 ounce / 298 g) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup (240 ml) milk, 2%
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream
- 1/2 cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 packet Italian dressing mix
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), placing the rack in the top third of the oven. A properly heated oven ensures even cooking and a golden crust.
- Step 2: Cook the Penne: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta for 2 minutes less than the package directions specify (for example, if package says 10 minutes, cook for 8 minutes) to keep pasta firm after baking.
- Step 3: Add Broccoli Florets: Add the broccoli florets to the boiling pasta water 2 minutes before the penne is done (if boiling for 8 minutes, add broccoli at the 6-minute mark). This keeps broccoli tender but not mushy.
- Step 4: Drain and Transfer: Drain the pasta and broccoli together using a colander. Immediately transfer them to a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) casserole dish to retain heat and prepare for mixing.
- Step 5: Mix the Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian dressing mix, onion powder, and minced garlic. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Step 6: Combine Chicken and Vegetables: Add the shredded cooked chicken and frozen mixed vegetables to the casserole dish with pasta and broccoli. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over these ingredients.
- Step 7: Toss and Layer: Gently toss all ingredients in the casserole dish until everything is well coated with the sauce. Spread the mixture into an even layer.
- Step 8: Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. This will create a cheesy crust when baked.
- Step 9: Bake to Perfection: Bake the casserole uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the dish is hot and bubbly throughout. Do not cover the casserole to allow the cheese to brown nicely.
- Step 10: Broil for a Golden Finish: For a browned cheese topping, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Step 11: Season to Taste: Remove from oven and season with salt and pepper as needed before serving. Adjust seasoning to highlight flavors.
Notes
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- Storage Tips: Room Temperature: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, keeping the lid on to maintain moisture. Refrigeration: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving to preserve flavor and texture. Freezing: Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Expert Tips: Ensure pasta is slightly undercooked by boiling 2 minutes less than package instructions to prevent sogginess after baking. Add broccoli florets just 2 minutes before draining pasta to keep them tender yet firm. If the sauce thickens too much during mixing, stir in an additional 1-2 tablespoons of milk for a smoother texture. Broil for 2-3 minutes at the end for a golden cheese layer; watch carefully to avoid burning. Taste the sauce mixture before baking and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if it lacks flavor.
- Reheating Instructions: Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Cover loosely with foil to prevent drying out, removing foil in the last 5 minutes for the cheese to crisp if desired.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with gluten-free garlic bread or a side of steamed broccoli for added vegetable intake. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables complement the casserole and add freshness. Top with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for additional flavor. Drizzle with homemade pesto or balsamic glaze just before serving for a richer finish.
- Recipe Variations: Substitute fresh spinach or chopped bell peppers in place of mixed vegetables for variety. Use turkey or mushrooms instead of chicken for a different protein option. Replace the Italian dressing mix with homemade Italian seasoning blend for customized flavor.
- Ingredient Notes: Use rotisserie chicken shredded or diced for convenience and moist texture. Select a quality penne pasta brand to maintain shape and texture during baking. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is preferred for better melt quality and sharper flavor. Frozen mixed vegetables can be used to increase vegetable intake without extra prep. Use 2% milk for sauce thinning; adjust with more milk if needed for preferred consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Ingredient Notes
- Cooked chicken: Shredded or diced, use rotisserie chicken for ease and extra flavor. Make sure it’s moist for the best texture in the casserole.
- Penne pasta: Opt for a good quality brand to ensure it holds its shape during baking. Avoid overcooking, as you want it slightly firm to the bite.
- Marinara sauce: Pick a flavorful sauce; homemade or a good jarred option works. This adds moisture and rich tomato flavor essential for the casserole.
- Mozzarella cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully and creates that gooey, stringy texture everyone loves. Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier effect if preferred!
- Parmesan cheese: Grated parmesan adds a nice sharpness and depth of flavor. It complements the mozzarella well, enhancing overall taste. Always go for freshly grated for the best results.
- Olive oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for sautéing; it brings a subtle richness. This helps to create a base flavor when cooking the chicken and veggies.
- Italian seasoning: A mix of dried herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme adds warmth and complexities to the dish. Adjust according to your taste for a personal touch!
- Bell peppers: Fresh bell peppers not only add a pop of color but also a crunchy texture. Choose vibrant, firm ones for the best flavor and nutrient retention.
- Cooked chicken: Shredded or diced, use rotisserie chicken for ease and extra flavor. Make sure it’s moist for the best texture in the casserole.
- Penne pasta: Opt for a good quality brand to ensure it holds its shape during baking. Avoid overcooking, as you want it slightly firm to the bite.
- Marinara sauce: Pick a flavorful sauce; homemade or a good jarred option works. This adds moisture and rich tomato flavor essential for the casserole.
- Mozzarella cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully and creates that gooey, stringy texture everyone loves. Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier effect if preferred!
- Parmesan cheese: Grated parmesan adds a nice sharpness and depth of flavor. It complements the mozzarella well, enhancing overall taste. Always go for freshly grated for the best results.
- Olive oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for sautéing; it brings a subtle richness. This helps to create a base flavor when cooking the chicken and veggies.
- Italian seasoning: A mix of dried herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme adds warmth and complexities to the dish. Adjust according to your taste for a personal touch!
- Bell peppers: Fresh bell peppers not only add a pop of color but also a crunchy texture. Choose vibrant, firm ones for the best flavor and nutrient retention.
Recipe Tips
- If pasta seems overcooked, reduce boiling time by 1 minute on the next attempt to align with the package directions accurately.
- When broccoli appears too soft, add it to the pot just 2 minutes before draining penne for optimal texture.
- If the casserole lacks flavor, taste the sauce before baking and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as preferred.
- For a golden cheese layer, broil for 2-3 minutes after baking; monitor closely to prevent burning.
- If sauce thickens too much during mixing, stir in an additional 1-2 tablespoons of milk for a smoother consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Serve chicken penne casserole with a side of gluten-free garlic bread or steamed broccoli for added nutrition. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables enhance the dish’s freshness and flavor.
Add to a hearty vegetable soup or make chicken penne casserole bake using different vegetables, like spinach or bell peppers. You might also consider using different proteins such as turkey or mushrooms for variety.
Top with fresh basil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added flavor. For a rich finish, consider drizzling a homemade pesto or balsamic glaze before serving.
Recipe variations
- You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken for this chicken penne casserole to simplify meal prep and add protein efficiently.
- Add 1 packet Italian dressing mix and 1/2 teaspoon onion powder to the creamy sauce for a flavorful boost without additional effort.
- Either fresh broccoli florets or frozen mixed vegetables can work well; I use fresh broccoli but frozen veggies add convenience and texture variety.
- If serving more people, double the recipe using a 9x13x2 inch casserole dish and bake for 30-35 minutes to ensure thorough heating.
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How to Store?
To keep your chicken penne casserole fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
Room Temperature: Place in an airtight container and store at room temperature up to 2 days, keeping it covered to maintain moisture and freshness.
Refrigeration: Transfer to an airtight container, refrigerate for up to 4 days, and reheat thoroughly before serving to retain flavor and texture.
Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap then place in a freezer container. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
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