Why Make This Recipe
Chicken Penne Casserole is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for families or gatherings. It combines tender pasta, juicy chicken, and vibrant vegetables, all baked together in a creamy sauce. This dish is not only tasty but also easy to prepare, making it a great choice for busy weeknights. You can use rotisserie chicken to save time, and it’s a wonderful way to feed a crowd with minimal effort.
How to Make Chicken Penne Casserole
Ingredients:
- 2 cups penne pasta
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1 cup cheese (mozzarella or cheddar), shredded
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for greasing
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded rotisserie chicken, broccoli, bell peppers, cheese, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
- Grease a baking dish with olive oil and pour the mixture into the dish.
- Top with additional cheese if desired.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
How to Serve Chicken Penne Casserole
Serve the Chicken Penne Casserole warm, straight from the oven. It goes well with a simple side salad or some garlic bread. You can also garnish it with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for an extra touch of flavor.
How to Store Chicken Penne Casserole
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to store it for a longer time, consider freezing it. Wrap it well in aluminum foil or use a freezer container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Tips to Make Chicken Penne Casserole
- Use leftover chicken or turkey if you don’t have a rotisserie chicken.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or zucchini for added nutrition.
- Adjust the amount of cheese to your taste. More cheese will make it extra creamy.
- If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the mixture.
Variation
For a vegetarian version, you can skip the chicken and add more vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or corn. Substitute the cream of chicken soup with a cream of mushroom or any vegetable soup.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance. Just cover and refrigerate it before baking. When you’re ready to bake, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Can I use whole wheat penne pasta?
Absolutely! Whole wheat penne pasta is a great option if you want a healthier choice.
What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
You can use cream of mushroom soup or a homemade white sauce as a substitute. This keeps the dish creamy and delicious without using canned soup.
Chicken Penne Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups penne pasta Cook according to package instructions.
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded Helps save time.
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1 cup cheese (mozzarella or cheddar), shredded More cheese can be used for extra creaminess.
- 1 can cream of chicken soup Can substitute with cream of mushroom or vegetable soup.
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for greasing Use for greasing the baking dish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded rotisserie chicken, broccoli, bell peppers, cheese, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
- Grease a baking dish with olive oil and pour the mixture into the dish.
- Top with additional cheese if desired.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let cool slightly before serving.