Name: Chicken Penne Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked penne pasta; 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup marinara sauce; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup chopped spinach; 1/2 cup diced onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon dried basil; Salt and pepper to taste

Hey y’all! If you’re craving comfort food that’s delicious, easy to whip up, and sure to satisfy, this Chicken Penne Casserole is about to become your new favorite. With tender chunks of Chicken, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or casual family gatherings. It brings everyone to the table with its irresistible aroma and bubbly, golden crust. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Penne Casserole

Quick to assemble and bakes up bubbly and golden every time.
Perfect make-ahead meal for busy families or entertaining guests.
Cheesy, creamy sauce that kids and adults both adore.
Easily customizable with your favorite veggies or cheeses.
Great way to use up leftover Chicken or rotisserie Chicken.

Ingredients

12 oz (340g) penne pasta
2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup frozen peas (optional)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for topping

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Prep and Cook the Pasta

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook penne pasta until al dente according to package instructions, about 9-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Saute the Veggies

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.

Step 3: Mix the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, sautéed onion and garlic, cooked pasta, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, 3/4 cup cheddar cheese, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and peas if using. Stir until everything is well mixed.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the mixture into a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the top evenly with the remaining mozzarella, cheddar, and the Parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Bake

Bake, uncovered, in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the top is golden brown. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow everything to set.

Notes

For extra creaminess, use full-fat sour cream and cheeses.
Let the casserole rest after baking—it helps the sauce thicken for cleaner servings.
Rotisserie chicken is a quick and flavorful shortcut if you’re short on time.

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for heat.
Veggie-Loaded: Mix in steamed broccoli, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition.
Italian-Style: Swap cheddar for more mozzarella and add 1/2 cup marinara sauce.

Required Equipment

Large pot for boiling pasta
Large skillet
Mixing bowl
9×13-inch casserole dish
Wooden spoon or spatula

Storage Instructions

Store leftover Chicken Penne Casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes from refrigerated or up to 45 minutes from frozen (add foil to prevent over-browning).

Pairings & Serving Recommendations

Serve with a crisp green salad drizzled with Italian dressing.
Warm garlic bread or soft dinner rolls pair perfectly for sopping up the creamy sauce.
Enjoy with a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling lemonade.

Pro Tips for Success

Undercook the pasta slightly—about 1 minute less than al dente—to prevent mushy noodles after baking.
Grate your cheese fresh for the creamiest, smoothest melt.
Add fresh herbs on top after baking for a pop of color and flavor.

FAQ

Can I prepare Chicken Penne Casserole ahead of time?: Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I use a different type of pasta?: Yes, any sturdy, short pasta such as rigatoni or ziti will work great.
How can I make this casserole gluten-free?: Swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and condensed soup for a delicious GF version.

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cook Time:

30 minutes

Total Time:

45 minutes

Chicken Penne Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Penne Casserole

Ingredients