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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a rectangular baking dish with butter for optimal release and easy serving.
- Pasta Foundation: Cook penne in salted water until al dente, then drain completely, ensuring no excess moisture remains.
- 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.
- Layering Strategy: Transfer half the creamy pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly to create a uniform base layer.
- Cheese Integration: Sprinkle a generous layer of sharp cheddar cheese across the first pasta layer, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor and melting potential.
- Final Assembly: Add the remaining pasta mixture over the cheese layer, creating a second distinct stratum of creamy goodness.
- Cheese Topping: Lavish the casserole with another abundant layer of shredded cheddar cheese, promising a rich and golden surface.
- Crispy Finish: Toss breadcrumbs with melted butter, then delicately scatter the mixture across the casserole’s surface for a crunchy textural contrast.
- 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.
- 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