Homestyle Chicken Penne Casserole
This Homestyle Chicken Penne Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in. Loaded with tender penne pasta, juicy chicken, and a creamy sauce, this casserole is topped with melty cheddar cheese and buttery breadcrumbs for a delightful crunch. It’s a dish that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table and is quick to prepare, making it an easy weeknight option.
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Directions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Pasta:
Cook the penne pasta in salted, boiling water until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
3. Combine Ingredients:
In a large pot or mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne, diced chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
Spread half of the pasta mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the first layer. Then, spread the remaining pasta mixture on top of the cheese layer.
5. Add the Toppings:
Sprinkle the second cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top layer of the pasta. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter, then sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the cheese to create a crispy topping.
6. Bake:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the top is golden brown.
7. Let it Rest:
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the casserole set and makes it easier to serve.
Quick Tips:
- Chicken Substitutes: You can use leftover rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or even shredded turkey in this recipe.
- Cheese Variations: Try swapping out the cheddar for Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses for a different flavor profile.
- Make it Your Own: Add some veggies like broccoli, peas, or spinach for added color and nutrition.
Recipe Details:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Calories: 420 per serving
- Servings: 8
This Homestyle Chicken Penne Casserole is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With its creamy sauce, tender pasta, and cheesy, crispy topping, it’s a dish that will quickly become a family favorite. Serve it with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal!
Print
Homestyle Chicken Penne Casserole
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
Description
This Homestyle Chicken Penne Casserole is the perfect balance of creamy comfort and cheesy goodness. Tender pieces of chicken are combined with perfectly cooked penne pasta, a creamy sauce of sour cream and cream of chicken soup, and two layers of cheddar cheese. The golden breadcrumb topping adds just the right amount of crunch, making this dish a true homestyle classic.
Ingredients
12 ounces penne pasta
2 cups cooked chicken, diced
1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly butter a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Cook the penne pasta in salted, boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large pot, combine the cooked penne, diced chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
Spread half of the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Layer the remaining pasta mixture on top.
Sprinkle the second cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top layer.
In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the top is golden brown.
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 420