This homestyle chicken penne casserole is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish packed with tender chicken, al dente penne pasta, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. Topped with golden breadcrumbs, it’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (for topping)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Gradually add milk and chicken broth, whisking until smooth. Cook for 4-5 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add 1/2 cup of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Combine the Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and the creamy sauce. Mix until evenly coated.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Add the Topping:
- In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs with olive oil or melted butter. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake:
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
- Serve:
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Tips for the Best Chicken Penne Casserole
- Use rotisserie chicken: It saves time and adds extra flavor.
- Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole and refrigerate it overnight. Bake just before serving.
- Add veggies: Mix in spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
Nutrition (Per Serving, Approx. 6 Servings)
- Calories: 430
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 540mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
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