Chicken Penne Casserole Recipe With Creamy Comfort

Homestyle Chicken Penne Casserole Recipe turns any ordinary weeknight into something special with its cozy, satisfying appeal.

Casseroles have long been beloved for their simplicity and ability to feed a crowd without fuss.

Comfort food at its finest, it combines familiar flavors in a way that feels both nourishing and celebratory.

Leftovers reheat beautifully, making it practical for busy schedules throughout the week.

Perfect for potlucks, Sunday dinners, or any occasion when you need something reliable and delicious, it never disappoints.

Scroll down to see exactly how to make it happen in no time.

What Makes Homestyle Chicken Penne Casserole Filling

• Easy Family Meal: This casserole transforms simple ingredients into a satisfying dinner that keeps everyone happy around the table.
• Weeknight Wonder: When schedules are hectic, this one-dish meal comes together quickly and delivers comfort without complicated steps.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Creamy pasta, tender chicken, and cheesy topping make this a guaranteed winner for picky eaters and hungry families.
• Pantry-Friendly Recipe: With standard ingredients most kitchens already stock, you can create a delicious meal without a special grocery trip.

Full Ingredient Breakdown for Chicken Penne Casserole

• 12 Ounces Penne Pasta: The foundation of your comforting casserole that gives each bite a perfect texture and shape.

• 2 Cups Cooked Chicken, Diced: Tender protein chunks that make this dish satisfying and filling for your family meal.

• 1 Can (10.5 Ounces) Cream of Chicken Soup, 1 Cup Sour Cream, 1/2 Cup Milk: Smooth ingredients that create a rich, velvety sauce coating every pasta piece.

• 1/2 Teaspoon Garlic Powder, 1/2 Teaspoon Onion Powder, 1 Teaspoon Dried Parsley, Salt and Pepper to Taste: Spices that add depth and enhance the overall flavor of your casserole.

• 2 Cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melty cheese that creates a golden, irresistible top layer.
• 1/2 Cup Breadcrumbs, 2 Tablespoons Butter, Melted: Crunchy topping that gives your casserole a perfect crispy finish.

Essential Tools for Chicken Penne Casserole

• Large Pot (5-6 quart): Your go-to vessel for boiling pasta and mixing all the delicious ingredients together.
• 9×13 Inch Baking Dish: Perfect size for creating a hearty casserole that feeds the whole family.
• Colander: Essential for draining your perfectly cooked pasta without losing a single noodle.
• Mixing Spoon or Spatula: Helps you blend all the ingredients smoothly and evenly.
• Measuring Cups: Ensures your ingredients are precisely portioned for the best flavor balance.
• Small Bowl: Handy for mixing breadcrumbs and melted butter to create that crispy topping.
• Cheese Grater: Useful if you’re grating fresh cheese for maximum flavor and melty goodness.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for dicing chicken and chopping any fresh herbs you might want to add.

Preparing Homestyle Chicken Penne Casserole

What Are the Baking Notes for Homestyle Chicken Penne

• Cook penne just until al dente, as it continues cooking in the casserole for perfect texture.
• Mix garlic and onion powders generously to boost your dish’s flavor without extra chopping.
• Sprinkle cheese between layers and on top for melty goodness in every single bite.
• The butter-coated breadcrumbs create a crispy golden topping that makes your casserole extra special.
• Allow the casserole to sit for a few minutes after baking so it sets and becomes easier to serve.

Chicken Penne Casserole Flavor Spins

• Veggie Power Swap: Replace chicken with roasted mixed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version. Use vegetable broth instead of cream of chicken soup to keep the flavor rich.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Substitute regular penne with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Check that your cream of chicken soup is also gluten-free to make the entire dish safe for sensitive diets.
• Mediterranean Magic: Switch out parsley for fresh basil, add sun-dried tomatoes, and replace some of the cheese with crumbled feta for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile that keeps the casserole’s creamy texture.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Toss in some diced green chiles, swap garlic powder for chili powder, and top with pepper jack cheese to give your casserole a southwestern kick that’ll warm up your dinner table.

Comforting Ways to Enjoy Penne Casserole

• Serve Family-Style: Scoop this hearty casserole directly onto warm plates, letting everyone grab a generous portion that shows how much care went into the dish.
• Fresh Side Salad Pairing: Toss together a crisp green salad with light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy casserole and add some fresh crunch to your plate.
• Wine Companion: A chilled glass of unoaked chardonnay or pinot grigio perfectly complements the creamy texture and mild chicken flavor.
• Veggie Boost: Roast some quick broccoli or green beans as a simple side that adds color and nutrition to round out the meal.

How Long Does Homestyle Chicken Penne Casserole Keep

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, ensuring your casserole stays fresh and tasty for quick reheat meals.
• Freeze individual portions in sealed containers for easy grab-and-go lunches, keeping the texture best by thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Prevent soggy breadcrumbs by storing them separately from the casserole, then sprinkle and toast them fresh when reheating to maintain that delightful crunch.
• When storing in the fridge, cover the casserole with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep moisture locked in and prevent unwanted flavor absorption from other foods.

Homestyle Chicken Penne Casserole FAQs

Homestyle Chicken Penne Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Homestyle chicken penne casserole brings comfort straight from Grandma’s kitchen to your dinner table. Creamy pasta, tender chicken, and melted cheese combine for a hearty meal that hugs your taste buds with pure, simple goodness.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Supporting Ingredients:

• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup milk

Seasonings and Toppings:

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Prepare your oven at 350°F and coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
2. Boil 12 ounces of penne pasta in salted water until just shy of fully cooked, about 7-8 minutes.
3. Drain the pasta and return to the pot, mixing in 2 cups diced chicken, 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup, 1 cup sour cream, and ½ cup milk.
4. Season the mixture with ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon dried parsley, and salt and pepper to your taste.
5. Transfer half the pasta mixture into the buttered baking dish and sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese across the surface.
6. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top of the cheese layer, creating a second pasta level.
7. Scatter the final 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
8. Melt 2 tablespoons butter and mix with ½ cup breadcrumbs in a small bowl until thoroughly combined.
9. Spread the buttered breadcrumbs evenly across the casserole surface for a crispy topping.
10. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until the edges bubble and the top turns golden brown.
11. Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Drain pasta super well to prevent a watery casserole and ensure maximum flavor absorption.
• Swap cream of chicken soup for homemade white sauce if avoiding processed ingredients, keeping the same creamy texture.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like sharp cheddar or pepper jack to customize the flavor profile.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Casseroles
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 444 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg