Cozy Comfort: Homestyle Chicken Penne Casserole Recipe

Comfort arrives in a steaming chicken penne casserole that whispers memories of Sunday dinners at grandma’s table.

Creamy, cheesy layers meld perfectly with tender pasta and juicy chicken pieces.

Each forkful promises warmth and satisfaction straight from the oven.

The recipe blends classic ingredients with a modern twist that makes everyone lean in for seconds.

Rich, golden-brown edges hint at the deliciousness waiting beneath the surface.

Hearty and filling, this dish turns an ordinary evening into a celebration of home-cooked goodness.

Dive into this soul-warming meal that connects you with pure culinary comfort.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 500 kcal

Servings: 7

Homestyle Chicken Penne Casserole Ingredient List

• Penne Pasta: Hearty pasta tubes that capture sauce beautifully and provide satisfying texture.
• Salt: Enhances pasta's natural flavor during boiling.

• Chicken: Tender, protein-packed meat that adds substantial nutrition and classic comfort flavor.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Creates rich, velvety base with deep savory undertones.
• Sour Cream: Adds tangy creaminess and helps bind ingredients smoothly.
• Milk: Softens sauce and helps create perfect casserole consistency.

• Garlic Powder: Delivers robust, aromatic background note without fresh garlic complexity.
• Onion Powder: Provides subtle sweet-savory depth without chopping fresh onions.
• Parsley: Introduces fresh herbal brightness and visual appeal.
• Salt: Balances and elevates overall dish seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Adds gentle warmth and slight spiciness.

• Cheddar Cheese: Melts into golden, gooey layer with sharp, rich flavor.
• Breadcrumbs: Creates crispy, golden-brown crunchy exterior.
• Butter: Helps breadcrumbs brown and adds luxurious richness.

Tools for Making Homestyle Chicken Penne Casserole

• Large pot: Essential for mixing pasta, chicken, and sauce ingredients thoroughly.
• 9×13 inch baking dish: Perfect for creating a hearty, family-sized casserole.
• Colander: Needed to drain pasta after cooking perfectly.
• Cutting board: Use for dicing chicken cleanly.
• Sharp knife: Required for precise chicken cutting.
• Measuring cups: Helps ensure accurate ingredient proportions.
• Mixing spoon: Great for stirring all ingredients together smoothly.
• Small bowl: Used for preparing breadcrumb topping.
• Cheese grater: Optional, if using block cheese instead of pre-shredded.

Cooking Homestyle Chicken Penne Casserole

• Oven Preparation

Warm up the kitchen with your oven set to a cozy 350°F while grabbing your favorite baking dish.

• Pasta Magic

Boil water with a pinch of salt and cook penne until it’s perfectly tender, then gently drain and set aside.

• Flavor Fusion

In a large pot, combine the pasta with diced chicken, creamy sauces, and a sprinkle of seasonings, mixing everything until it’s beautifully blended.

• Cheesy Layers

Transfer half the mixture into your baking dish, shower it with a generous layer of sharp cheddar, then add the remaining pasta mixture.

• Crispy Topping

Crown your casserole with another blanket of cheese and a buttery breadcrumb sprinkle that’ll turn golden and crunchy.

• Baking Moment

Slide the dish into the oven and let it bubble and transform for 25-30 minutes until the top becomes a gorgeous golden landscape.

• Serving Comfort

Allow the casserole to rest for a few moments, letting the flavors mingle and settle before bringing this delicious creation to the table.

Tips to Perfect Homestyle Chicken Penne Casserole

• Swap diced chicken with rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken for extra flavor and convenience.
• Replace chicken with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
• Add red pepper flakes, cayenne, or chopped jalapeños to give the casserole a zesty kick that'll wake up your taste buds.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like mozzarella, monterey jack, or pepper jack to create your unique cheesy profile.

Serving Your Homestyle Chicken Penne Casserole

• Comfort Food Companion: Pair this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal that brightens the rich, cheesy dish.
• Veggie Power Boost: Roasted broccoli or steamed asparagus make excellent side dishes that add nutrition and color to your plate.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: A light white wine like Pinot Grigio or a chilled Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy texture and cuts through the richness of the casserole.
• Bread Basket Delight: Warm garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls work perfectly for soaking up the delicious creamy sauce and adding extra comfort to your meal.

Storage Tips for Homestyle Chicken Penne Casserole

• Smart Batch Cooking: Prepare double the recipe on weekends to freeze extra portions for busy weeknight dinners. Extra portions stay delicious when properly sealed in airtight containers.
• Refrigerator Storage Strategy: Keeps well in sealed containers for 3-4 days. Maintain freshness by storing chicken penne casserole in shallow containers to help cool quickly and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap individual or full casserole portions tightly in aluminum foil or freezer-safe containers. Frozen dishes remain tasty for up to 2 months when sealed correctly. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Wisdom: Warm refrigerated or thawed casserole in oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent excessive drying. Add small splash of milk when reheating to restore creamy texture and prevent casserole from becoming too dry.

Hearty Homestyle Chicken Penne Casserole

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4.8 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Hearty homestyle chicken penne casserole delivers comfort with creamy sauce and tender chicken nestled among perfectly cooked pasta. Italian-inspired ingredients combine for a satisfying meal that welcomes families around dinner tables with warmth and rich flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups chicken, diced
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
• 1 can (10.5 oz or 298 g) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup milk
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsps butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a rectangular baking dish with butter for optimal release and easy serving.
2. Pasta Foundation: Cook penne in salted water until al dente, then drain completely, ensuring no excess moisture remains.
3. Mixture Composition: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta with diced chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, salt, and pepper, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
4. Layering Strategy: Transfer half the creamy pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly to create a uniform base layer.
5. Cheese Integration: Sprinkle a generous layer of sharp cheddar cheese across the first pasta layer, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor and melting potential.
6. Final Assembly: Add the remaining pasta mixture over the cheese layer, creating a second distinct stratum of creamy goodness.
7. Cheese Topping: Lavish the casserole with another abundant layer of shredded cheddar cheese, promising a rich and golden surface.
8. Crispy Finish: Toss breadcrumbs with melted butter, then delicately scatter the mixture across the casserole’s surface for a crunchy textural contrast.
9. Baking Process: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the edges bubble vigorously and the top achieves a beautiful golden-brown crust.
10. Resting Period: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven, enabling the ingredients to settle and flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

• Pasta Perfection: Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushy texture and maintain a satisfying bite in the final casserole.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Use freshly shredded cheddar for superior melting and richer flavor compared to pre-packaged cheese.
• Customize with Confidence: Swap chicken with turkey or add vegetables like broccoli or peas for a personalized meal that suits your taste.
• Freezer-Friendly Tip: Prepare the entire casserole, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months for a convenient make-ahead dinner option.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 49 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg