Best 15 Chicken Penne Pasta Casserole Recipes

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Are you craving a hearty and flavorful pasta casserole that combines the classic flavors of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and delectable penne pasta? Look no further! Our curated collection of chicken penne pasta casserole recipes will tantalize your taste buds and leave you longing for more. With a wide array of culinary options, from traditional to modern, and simple to extravagant, our guide will lead you to the perfect recipe that suits your taste preferences and culinary skills. Let's embark on a journey of culinary exploration and discover the ultimate chicken penne pasta casserole recipe that will steal the show at your next family gathering or potluck.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

CHICKEN PENNE CASSEROLE



Chicken Penne Casserole image

Make and share this Chicken Penne Casserole recipe from Food.com.

Provided by bmcnichol

Categories     Chicken Thigh & Leg

Time 1h

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 1/2 cups uncooked penne pasta
1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1/2 cup chopped sweet red pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (or to taste)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
3 tablespoons tomato paste
3/4 cup chicken broth
2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated romano cheese

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions.
  • Saute the chicken, onion, peppers, garlic and seasonings in oil until chicken is no longer pink.
  • Combine tomatoes and tomato paste.
  • Add to chicken mixture.
  • Stir in broth and bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until slightly thickened.
  • Drain pasta and toss with chicken mixture.
  • Spoon half of the chicken mixture into a greased baking dish.
  • Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Romano cheeses.
  • Repeat layers.
  • Cover and bake at 350 for 30 minutes.
  • Uncover and bake 15-20 minutes longer or until heated through.

CHICKEN PENNE CASSEROLE



Chicken Penne Casserole image

This is my family's favorite casserole recipe. I make it every week or two and we never tire of it. I like that I can clean my kitchen and then relax while it bakes. It won't disappoint! -Carmen Vanosch, Vernon, British Columbia

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h20m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 17

1-1/2 cups uncooked penne pasta
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1/2 cup chopped sweet red pepper
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
3 tablespoons tomato paste
3/4 cup chicken broth
2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Romano cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add chicken, onion, peppers and seasonings; saute until chicken is no longer pink. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer., In a blender, pulse tomatoes and tomato paste, covered, until blended. Add to chicken mixture. Stir in broth; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until slightly thickened, 10-15 minutes. , Drain pasta; toss with chicken mixture. Spoon half of the mixture into a greased 2-qt. baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the cheeses. Repeat layers. , Cover and bake 30 minutes. Uncover; bake until heated through, 15-20 minutes longer.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 579 calories, Fat 28g fat (12g saturated fat), Cholesterol 128mg cholesterol, Sodium 1357mg sodium, Carbohydrate 36g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 47g protein.

CHEESY CHICKEN PENNE PASTA BAKE



Cheesy Chicken Penne Pasta Bake image

I am always looking for simple yet filling casserole type recipes to fix for busy weeknights. I found this recipe at our local grocery store. Delicious and very easy to make!

Provided by Ms. Delaney

Categories     Penne

Time 35m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite size pieces
1 1/2 cups penne pasta, uncooked
1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
2 cups spaghetti sauce
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 375 degrees. Cook pasta as directed on package. Cook and stir chicken and basil in large nonstick skillet sprayed with cooking spray on medium high heat 3 minutes. Stir in spaghetti sauce and tomatoes; bring to boil. Simmer on low heat 3 minutes or until chicken done.
  • Drain pasta mixture; return to pan. Stir in chicken mixture and 1/2 cup mozarella. Spoon into 2 qt casserole or 8 inch square baking dish.
  • Bake 20 minutes; top with remaining cheeses. Bake 3 minutes or until mozzarella is melted.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 479.9, Fat 12.3, SaturatedFat 5, Cholesterol 90.2, Sodium 1113.1, Carbohydrate 52.6, Fiber 6.3, Sugar 15.2, Protein 39.6

CHICKEN PARMESAN PASTA CASSEROLE RECIPE



Chicken Parmesan Pasta Casserole Recipe image

With only 6 ingredients, this Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Pasta Casserole comes together in minutes and makes the perfect busy weeknight meal. It's a dish your whole family will love.

Provided by Camille Beckstrand

Categories     Main Course

Time 50m

Number Of Ingredients 6

12 ounces penne pasta (1 package, (or any pasta - whole wheat works great for this recipe too!))
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cooked and shredded)
26 ounces marinara sauce (1 jar)
1½ cups shredded Mozzarella cheese (divided)
½ cup freshly shredded parmesan cheese (divided)
¼ cup chopped fresh basil

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a deep 9 x 13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Set dish aside.
  • Cook pasta al dente, as directed on package.
  • Drain pasta and place in a large bowl.
  • Add in shredded chicken and marinara sauce (add more sauce if needed).
  • Mix well.
  • Dump half of the pasta/chicken mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  • Top with half of the mozzarella cheese, half of the Parmesan cheese and half of the basil.
  • Repeat layers with remaining items.
  • Place casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and casserole is heated through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 334 kcal, Carbohydrate 37 g, Protein 26 g, Fat 9 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, TransFat 1 g, Cholesterol 58 mg, Sodium 778 mg, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 5 g, ServingSize 1 serving

THREE-CHEESE CHICKEN PENNE PASTA BAKE



Three-Cheese Chicken Penne Pasta Bake image

Chunks of chicken in a creamy tomato sauce with basil and fresh spinach are baked with multi-grain penne pasta and topped with cheese.

Provided by Philadelphia

Categories     Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips     PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese

Time 43m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 ½ cups multi-grain penne pasta, uncooked
1 (9 ounce) bag fresh spinach leaves
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
1 (14 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
2 ounces PHILADELPHIA Neufchatel cheese, cubed
1 cup KRAFT 2% Milk Shredded Mozzarella Cheese, divided
2 tablespoons KRAFT Grated Parmesan Cheese

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 375 degrees F.
  • Cook pasta in large saucepan as directed on package, omitting salt and adding spinach to the boiling water for the last minute.
  • Meanwhile, cook and stir chicken and basil in large nonstick skillet sprayed with cooking spray on medium-high heat 3 min. Stir in tomatoes and spaghetti sauce; bring to boil. Simmer on low heat 3 min. or until chicken is done, stirring occasionally. Stir in Neufchatel.
  • Drain pasta mixture; return to pan. Stir in chicken mixture and 1/2 cup mozzarella; pour into 2-qt. casserole sprayed with cooking spray.
  • Bake 20 min. or until heated through; top with remaining cheeses. Bake 3 min. or until mozzarella is melted.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 467.7 calories, Carbohydrate 39 g, Cholesterol 89.2 mg, Fat 14.8 g, Fiber 6.9 g, Protein 43.1 g, SaturatedFat 7.1 g, Sodium 1004 mg, Sugar 11.9 g

CREAMY CHICKEN AND PENNE PASTA CASSEROLE



Creamy Chicken and Penne Pasta Casserole image

Easy delicious supper, cooked in a large rice cooker. This can also be done stove-top in a large pot.

Provided by T 4527

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 1h10m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 boneless chicken breasts
115 g penne pasta
6 ounces canned corn
14 ounces canned tomatoes seasoned with basil garlic & oregano
10 ounces cream of mushroom soup
10 ounces water, use soup can
4 mushrooms
2 teaspoons oil, of choice
1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch

Steps:

  • Add tomatoes, soup, water, corn and pasta to rice cooker.
  • chop mushrooms and add to cooker.
  • Cut up chicken into very small pieces and add to cooker.
  • Add oil, stir and turn cooker on, cook for 40 minute
  • After cooking 40 minutes, stir in corn starch and cook additional 10 minutes to thicken.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 350.1, Fat 14, SaturatedFat 3.3, Cholesterol 46.4, Sodium 552.5, Carbohydrate 37.4, Fiber 4.1, Sugar 2.6, Protein 19.8

CHICKEN, SPINACH, AND CHEESE PASTA BAKE



Chicken, Spinach, and Cheese Pasta Bake image

Pasta, chicken, spinach, and cheese baked to bubbly perfection.

Provided by jr911

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 1h15m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 (8 ounce) package penne pasta
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
3 cups chopped cooked chicken
1 (14 ounce) can Italian-style diced tomatoes
1 (10 ounce) package spinach
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil; add penne and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain.
  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Saute onion in hot oil until tender, 5 to 7 minutes.
  • Mix penne pasta, onion, chicken, diced tomatoes, spinach, and cream cheese together in a baking dish until the cream cheese melts and coats everything. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the pasta mixture. Cover baking dish with aluminum foil.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking until heated through and beginning to brown along the edges, about 15 minutes more.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 544.2 calories, Carbohydrate 53.2 g, Cholesterol 85.3 mg, Fat 21.7 g, Fiber 6.4 g, Protein 34.2 g, SaturatedFat 10.2 g, Sodium 331.9 mg, Sugar 3.2 g

CHICKEN ENCHILADA PASTA CASSEROLE



Chicken Enchilada Pasta Casserole image

I had leftovers from nachos and threw this together. Comfort food with a kick!

Provided by srhouse

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Pasta     Chicken

Time 56m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 ⅓ cups penne pasta
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 cups cubed chicken
½ cup salsa, divided
1 clove garlic, minced, or more to taste
salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 (10.75 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
½ cup drained canned pinto beans
½ cup canned corn
1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chile peppers
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
2 cups crushed tortilla chips, or to taste

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil; add penne and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken, 1/4 cup salsa, garlic, salt, and pepper; cook and stir until chicken is browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in cream of chicken soup, pinto beans, corn, and green chile peppers.
  • Stir cooked penne and Cheddar cheese into the skillet until cheese is melted. Transfer to a baking dish; scatter tortilla chips on top.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until top is golden brown, about 20 minutes. Serve with remaining 1/4 cup salsa.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 718.5 calories, Carbohydrate 81.5 g, Cholesterol 93.5 mg, Fat 24.7 g, Fiber 5.9 g, Protein 44.4 g, SaturatedFat 9.2 g, Sodium 1491.6 mg, Sugar 5.8 g

CHICKEN PASTA CASSEROLE



Chicken Pasta Casserole image

Preparing this family favorite on Sunday night will ensure a fuss-free Monday night dinner. -Marianna Pickering, Neenah, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h20m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

5 cups uncooked egg noodles
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1-1/4 teaspoons pepper, divided
1 pound chicken tenderloins
1 medium onion, sliced
2 celery ribs, chopped
3 tablespoons butter
1-3/4 cups half-and-half cream, divided
2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cream of celery soup, undiluted
1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth
1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes

Steps:

  • Cook noodles according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder and 1 teaspoon pepper; set aside. Drain noodles and rinse in cold water; add to egg mixture. Set aside., In a large skillet, cook the chicken, onion, celery and remaining pepper in butter over medium heat for 12-15 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink. Stir in 1/2 cup cream; heat through., In a greased 13x9-in. baking dish, layer half of the noodle mixture, chicken mixture and mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers. Combine the soup, wine, parsley and remaining cream; pour over top. Cover and refrigerate overnight., Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Cover and bake at 350° for 40 minutes. Bake, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes longer or until bubbly and cheese is melted., Or before refrigerating, cover and freeze casserole for up to 3 months., To use frozen casserole: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Bake according to directions.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 546 calories, Fat 26g fat (15g saturated fat), Cholesterol 186mg cholesterol, Sodium 780mg sodium, Carbohydrate 35g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 38g protein.

CREAMY CHICKEN PENNE PASTA RECIPE BY TASTY



Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta Recipe by Tasty image

Here's what you need: bacon, chicken breasts, salt, pepper, italian seasoning, paprika, garlic, spinach, small tomatoes, cream, shredded parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, penne pasta, Chopped fresh parsley

Provided by Tasty

Categories     Dinner

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

4 slices bacon
2 chicken breasts, sliced
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
2 teaspoons italian seasoning
1 teaspoon paprika
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups spinach
4 small tomatoes, diced
1 ½ cups cream
1 cup shredded parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, plus more for garnish
10 oz penne pasta, cooked until al dente
3 tablespoons Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Steps:

  • In a deep skillet, fry the bacon until crispy. Remove to a paper towel to drain, then chop.
  • In the same skillet, add the chicken and season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Cook until no longer pink inside.
  • Add the garlic and cook until softened.
  • Add spinach and tomatoes and cook until the spinach is wilted.
  • Add the cream, Parmesan, an red pepper flakes and bring to a boil.
  • Add the penne and bacon, and stir until fully coated in sauce.
  • Serve with parsley, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes, if desired.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 725 calories, Carbohydrate 61 grams, Fat 36 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 44 grams, Sugar 7 grams

PESTO-CHICKEN PENNE CASSEROLES



Pesto-Chicken Penne Casseroles image

Creamy, flavorful and so easy to fix, this meal-in-one will wow family and friends. Get ready for recipe requests for this easy chicken casserole! -Laura Kayser, Ankeny, Iowa

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h

Yield 2 casseroles (6 servings each).

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 package (16 ounces) penne pasta
6 cups cubed cooked chicken
4 cups shredded Italian cheese blend
3 cups fresh baby spinach
1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1 jar (15 ounces) Alfredo sauce
1-1/2 cups 2% milk
1 jar (8.1 ounces) prepared pesto
1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the chicken, cheese blend, spinach, tomatoes, Alfredo sauce, milk and pesto. Drain pasta and add to chicken mixture; toss to coat., Transfer to 2 greased 8-in. square baking dishes. In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese and oil; sprinkle over casseroles., Cover and freeze 1 casserole for up to 3 months. Cover and bake the remaining casserole at 350° for 40-45 minutes or until bubbly., To use frozen casserole: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Cover and bake at 350° for 50-60 minutes or until bubbly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 612 calories, Fat 30g fat (13g saturated fat), Cholesterol 111mg cholesterol, Sodium 829mg sodium, Carbohydrate 41g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 42g protein.

CHICKEN AND PENNE CASSEROLE



Chicken and Penne Casserole image

I have made this recipe using bone-on chicken pieces also, although you might have to adjust the cooking time slightly. I double the crushed tomatoes to two cans when I make this, but that is optional, my family loves this casserole!

Provided by Kittencalrecipezazz

Categories     Chicken Breast

Time 1h20m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

4 -5 tablespoons olive oil (or as needed0)
6 boneless chicken breasts
salt and pepper (I use seasoned salt)
1 medium onion, chopped
6 medium garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes (or to taste)
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (14 ounce) can stewed tomatoes (with juice)
1 -2 teaspoon sugar
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 large bay leaf
10 ounces dry penne pasta (cooked to JUST firm-tender and drained, can use more if desired)
2 cups grated mozzarella cheese (can use less)
2/3 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided (can use more or less)

Steps:

  • Set oven to 375 degrees F.
  • Butter a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
  • Heat oil in a skillet.
  • Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then brown on both sides about 5 minutes per side; transfer to a plate.
  • Add in onion, garlic, oregano, basil and crushed red pepper flakes; saute about 5 minutes.
  • Add in the crushed tomatoes, stewed tomatoes with juice, wine, sugar and bay leaf; cook for about 35-40 minutes, season with salt and pepper.
  • Line the bottom of the dish with cooked penne pasta, sprinkle the top with about 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
  • Arrange the browned chicken pieces on top of the cooked pasta.
  • Remove bay leaf and spoon the sauce over the chicken covering chicken and pasta completely.
  • Mix the mozzarella cheese with 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, then sprinkle over the top of the sauce.
  • Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked and the sauce is bubbly.
  • Delicious.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 751.6, Fat 35.5, SaturatedFat 12.2, Cholesterol 132.1, Sodium 831.9, Carbohydrate 57.3, Fiber 9.1, Sugar 4.7, Protein 49.6

PENNE WITH CHICKEN & BROCCOLI CASSEROLE



Penne With Chicken & Broccoli Casserole image

I got this recipe from my brother-in-law and it has been one of the most requested recipes at family gatherings and pot lucks. Everyone just loves it and it's so easy to make.

Provided by Patti C

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 35m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 (16 ounce) box penne pasta, cooked (I use less sometimes)
2 (16 ounce) jars alfredo sauce, warmed
4 cups cheese, shredded & divided in half (4-cheese Mexican blend is good)
1 bunch broccoli, cooked (I use a large one)
3 -4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, seasoned to taste, cooked, & cut into bite-sized pieces

Steps:

  • Spray or grease a 13 x 9 pan. In a bowl, mix the pasta, chicken, broccoli, Alfredo sauce & one bag of the cheese. Gently stir until blended. Dump into baking pan. Sprinkle the remaining bag of cheese over the top. Bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes or until cheese melts.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 466.8, Fat 16.4, SaturatedFat 9.1, Cholesterol 64.5, Sodium 623.9, Carbohydrate 54.9, Fiber 8.2, Sugar 1.3, Protein 26.9

THREE-CHEESE CHICKEN PENNE PASTA BAKE



Three-Cheese Chicken Penne Pasta Bake image

Serve our Three-Cheese Chicken Penne Pasta Bake and savor the compliments! With spinach, basil and three types of cheese, this chicken pasta bake can't be beat!

Provided by My Food and Family

Categories     Chicken

Time 45m

Yield 4 servings, 2 cups each

Number Of Ingredients 9

1-1/2 cups multi-grain penne pasta, uncooked
1 pkg. (9 oz.) fresh spinach leaves
1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
1 tsp. dried basil leaves
1 can (14-1/2 oz.) diced tomatoes, drained
1-3/4 cups CLASSICO Tomato and Basil Pasta Sauce
2 oz. (1/4 of 8-oz. pkg.) PHILADELPHIA Neufchatel Cheese, cubed
1 cup KRAFT 2% Milk Shredded Mozzarella Cheese, divided
2 Tbsp. KRAFT Grated Parmesan Cheese

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 375ºF.
  • Cook pasta in large saucepan as directed on package, omitting salt and adding spinach to the boiling water for the last minute.
  • Meanwhile, cook and stir chicken and basil in large nonstick skillet sprayed with cooking spray on medium-high heat 3 min. Stir in tomatoes and pasta sauce; bring to boil. Simmer on medium-low heat 3 min. or until chicken is done, stirring occasionally. Add Neufchatel; cook and stir 1 to 2 min. or until completely melted.
  • Drain pasta mixture; return to pan. Stir in chicken mixture and 1/2 cup mozzarella; spoon into 2-qt. casserole sprayed with cooking spray.
  • Bake 20 min. or until heated through; top with remaining cheeses. Bake 3 min. or until mozzarella is melted.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 480, Fat 14 g, SaturatedFat 7 g, TransFat 0 g, Cholesterol 95 mg, Sodium 840 mg, Carbohydrate 0 g, Fiber 8 g, Sugar 0 g, Protein 44 g

PESTO CHICKEN PENNE CASSEROLE



Pesto Chicken Penne Casserole image

Creamy, flavorful and so easy to fix. This meal-in-one will wow family and friends. Makes a lot, so freeze some or halve the recipe.

Provided by Lindalou

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Pasta     Chicken

Time 1h15m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 11

½ cup seasoned bread crumbs
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 (16 ounce) box penne pasta
6 cups cubed cooked chicken
4 cups shredded Italian cheese blend
3 cups fresh baby spinach
1 (15 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) jar Alfredo sauce
1 (15 ounce) jar pesto sauce
1 ½ cups milk

Steps:

  • Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil in a small bowl until evenly moistened; set aside.
  • Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, stir in the penne, and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta has cooked through, but is still firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain well in a colander set in the sink.
  • Meanwhile, combine the chicken in a bowl with the Italian cheese blend, spinach, tomatoes, alfredo sauce, pesto sauce, and milk. Stir in the pasta once done, and scoop into the prepared baking dish. Top with the bread crumb mixture.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until bubbly and golden brown on top, 40 to 45 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 760.2 calories, Carbohydrate 40.7 g, Cholesterol 114.1 mg, Fat 47.2 g, Fiber 3.4 g, Protein 45.4 g, SaturatedFat 18.2 g, Sodium 1209.9 mg, Sugar 4.2 g

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh, flavorful ingredients will make a big difference in the final dish. Look for high-quality chicken, pasta, and vegetables.
  • Don't overcook the chicken: Chicken that is overcooked will be dry and tough. Cook the chicken until it is just cooked through, then remove it from the heat and let it rest.
  • Use a flavorful sauce: The sauce is what brings all the flavors of the dish together. Use a sauce that is flavorful and complements the other ingredients.
  • Don't skimp on the cheese: Cheese is what makes this dish so rich and decadent. Use a good quality cheese that melts well.
  • Bake the casserole until it is bubbly and golden brown: This will ensure that the casserole is cooked through and that the cheese is melted and gooey.

Conclusion:

Chicken penne pasta casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. It is also a great way to use up leftover chicken. With a few simple tips, you can make a chicken penne pasta casserole that is sure to please everyone at the table.

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