Chicken Penne Casserole Recipe is a hearty, oven-baked dish made with tender chicken, al dente penne pasta, creamy sauce, and melted cheese this recipe serves 6 takes about 45 minutes to prepare, and is perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
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🧡 Why You’ll Love This Chicken Penne Casserole Recipe:
- Comforting and Filling: This Chicken Penne Casserole is a warm, hearty dish that’s perfect for satisfying cravings on busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The creamy, cheesy, and flavorful combination is loved by kids and adults alike, making it ideal for gatherings.
- Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe comes together effortlessly.
- Great for Leftovers: Chicken Penne Casserole stores and reheats well, making it perfect for meal prepping or enjoying the next day.
âť“ What Is Chicken Penne Casserole Recipe?
Chicken Penne Casserole Recipe is an oven-baked dish featuring penne pasta, shredded chicken, creamy sauce, and gooey cheese. This classic comfort food is flavorful, easy to prepare, and perfect for family dinners or potluck parties.
🍗 Ingredients:
- 2 cups uncooked penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
🍲 Instructions:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onions until softened, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the sauce. Toss until evenly coated.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
đź“Ť Recipe Tips
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Slightly undercook the pasta, as it will continue to cook in the oven while absorbing the sauce, ensuring the perfect texture in your Chicken Penne Casserole.
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Freshly grated mozzarella and Parmesan melt better and provide a richer flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor. Sauté them with the onions for even cooking.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, which is flavorful and convenient for this recipe.
- Garnish Thoughtfully: Fresh parsley or basil adds color and freshness, while a drizzle of olive oil before serving enhances the flavor.
🥗 What To Serve With Chicken Penne Casserole?
Chicken Penne Casserole pairs well with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted potatoes or a warm bowl of tomato soup.
🎚 How To Store Leftover Chicken Penne Casserole?
- Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken penne casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions as needed.
- Freezing: Freeze leftover chicken penne casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
🥵 How To Reheat Leftover Chicken Penne Casserole?
- In The Microwave: Transfer leftover chicken penne casserole to a microwave-safe dish cover with a microwave-safe lid and heat in 2-4 minutes stirring in between until hot.
- In The Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) place leftover chicken penne casserole in a baking dish cover with foil and heat for 3-5 minutes or until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for Chicken Penne Casserole?
Yes, you can substitute penne with other short pasta like rigatoni, ziti, or rotini in Chicken Penne Casserole. These shapes work well as they hold the sauce and cheese beautifully.
What type of chicken is best for Chicken Penne Casserole?
Cooked, shredded, or diced chicken breasts or thighs are best for Chicken Penne Casserole. Rotisserie chicken is also an excellent, time-saving option that adds flavor to the dish.
How do I prevent Chicken Penne Casserole from becoming dry?
To prevent Chicken Penne Casserole from drying out, ensure there’s enough sauce to coat the pasta and chicken. Cover the casserole with foil while baking to retain moisture, removing it toward the end for a golden top.
What type of sauce works best for Chicken Penne Casserole?
Marinara and Alfredo are popular choices for Chicken Penne Casserole. You can also mix the two for a creamy, tomato-based sauce or experiment with pesto for a unique flavor.
Can I use canned chicken for Chicken Penne Casserole?
Yes, canned chicken can be used in Chicken Penne Casserole as a quick and convenient option. Drain the chicken well before mixing it with the other ingredients.
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Chicken Penne Casserole Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 403
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Calcium: 15%
- Iron: 10%
Chicken Penne Casserole Recipe
Description
Chicken Penne Casserole Recipe is a hearty, oven-baked dish made with tender chicken, al dente penne pasta, creamy sauce, and melted cheese this recipe serves 6 takes about 45 minutes to prepare, and is perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onions until softened, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the sauce. Toss until evenly coated.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Slightly undercook the pasta, as it will continue to cook in the oven while absorbing the sauce, ensuring the perfect texture in your Chicken Penne Casserole.
Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Freshly grated mozzarella and Parmesan melt better and provide a richer flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.
Add Vegetables: Incorporate vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor. Sauté them with the onions for even cooking.
Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, which is flavorful and convenient for this recipe.
Garnish Thoughtfully: Fresh parsley or basil adds color and freshness, while a drizzle of olive oil before serving enhances the flavor.