Warm & Creamy Homestyle Chicken Penne Casserole Recipe

Creamy homestyle chicken penne casserole promises ultimate comfort on a plate, blending hearty ingredients with nostalgic flavors that transport you straight to grandma’s kitchen.

Warm, inviting aromas waft through the home, signaling a delightful meal about to emerge from the oven.

Tender pasta and succulent poultry create a harmonious dance of textures that satisfy deep hunger pangs.

Layers of rich, melted cheese intermingle with robust seasonings, elevating this classic dish beyond ordinary weeknight dinners.

Each forkful tells a story of culinary tradition, packed with wholesome ingredients that nourish both body and soul.

Families gather around the table, anticipating the first savory bite of this comforting masterpiece.

This casserole represents more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of home-cooked love and connection.

Homestyle Chicken Penne Casserole That Feeds the Soul

• Comfort Food Champion: This hearty casserole wraps you in warm, nostalgic flavors that remind you of home-cooked meals, offering pure comfort in every creamy, cheesy bite.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Winner: Minimal prep time and simple ingredients make this dish a lifesaver for busy families, transforming ordinary chicken and pasta into a delicious meal in under an hour.
• Texture Paradise: The combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, perfectly cooked penne, melted cheese, and crispy buttered breadcrumb topping creates a delightful symphony of textures that dance on your taste buds.

Ingredients Needed for Chicken Penne Casserole

• Chicken: Tender protein that adds hearty flavor and substance to the casserole, preferably boneless and skinless for easy preparation.

• Penne Pasta: Classic pasta shape that holds sauce well and provides a satisfying texture, choose standard dried pasta for best results.

• Sour Cream, Milk, Cream of Chicken Soup: Creamy ingredients that create a rich, smooth base and enhance overall moisture of the casserole.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that melts beautifully and adds a tangy, robust flavor to the dish.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Parsley, Salt, Pepper: Essential spices that build depth of flavor and complement the chicken and pasta.

• Breadcrumbs, Butter: Crispy layer that provides textural contrast and golden-brown finish to the casserole.

How to Bake Chicken Penne Casserole the Right Way

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Dish

Warm the oven to 350°F. Gently coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook Pasta Perfectly

Boil pasta in generously salted water until tender. Drain and set aside, keeping pasta warm.

Step 3: Create Creamy Chicken Mixture

• Cooked penne
• Diced chicken
• Cream of chicken soup
• Sour cream
• Milk
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Parsley
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir thoroughly until all ingredients blend smoothly.

Step 4: Layer First Pasta Level

Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with one cup of shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 5: Add Second Pasta Layer

Pour remaining pasta mixture over the first layer, creating a complete coverage.

Step 6: Top with Cheese

Evenly distribute the second cup of shredded cheddar cheese across the top.

Step 7: Prepare Crunchy Topping

In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter until well combined.

Step 8: Sprinkle Breadcrumb Topping

Scatter the buttery breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole’s surface.

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until edges bubble and top turns golden brown.

Step 10: Rest and Serve

Allow casserole to rest for a few minutes, letting flavors settle before serving.

Casserole Tips for Even Cooking and Flavor

• Perfectly Cook Pasta: Use slightly less water than package instructions and stir occasionally to prevent sticking, ensuring al dente texture for a more authentic homestyle feel.
• Maximize Chicken Flavor: Choose rotisserie or leftover roasted chicken to add deeper, more complex taste compared to plain boiled chicken.
• Prevent Dry Casserole: Cover with foil during initial baking to lock in moisture, removing for the last 10 minutes to achieve golden crispy topping.
• Cheese Melt Technique: Grate cheese fresh instead of using pre-shredded varieties for smoother melting and richer flavor profile.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to develop before baking for enhanced taste.

How to Store Chicken Casserole and Reheat It Properly

• Refrigerate: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Wrap tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap or container, storing for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. For larger amounts, bake in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 15-20 minutes until heated completely.

Best Sides for Chicken Penne Casserole

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Choose a light, refreshing Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the rich, creamy casserole and cleanse your palate between bites.
• Serve with Fresh Garden Salad: Toss together a mixed greens salad with vinaigrette dressing to provide a tangy, light contrast to the hearty chicken pasta dish.
• Complement with Roasted Vegetable Side: Prepare a simple medley of roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus to add color, nutrition, and a subtle charred flavor that enhances the casserole's comfort food appeal.
• Finish with Crisp Apple Dessert: Offer a light apple crisp or apple tart to balance the meal's richness and provide a sweet, refreshing end to the dining experience.

Different Styles of Chicken Penne Casserole

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Penne: Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and taco seasoning for a zesty kick. Replace cheddar with pepper jack cheese and top with fresh cilantro.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Casserole: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and dried oregano. Replace breadcrumbs with toasted pine nuts for added crunch.
• Creamy Mushroom Chicken Penne: Sauté sliced mushrooms and mix into the casserole. Add a splash of white wine and replace some milk with heavy cream for extra richness. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves.
• Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Bake: Fold in steamed broccoli florets before baking. Use sharp white cheddar instead of regular cheddar and sprinkle with crispy bacon bits for extra flavor.

Homestyle Chicken Penne Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting homestyle chicken penne casserole brings Italian-American kitchen warmth to dinner tables across generations. Creamy pasta layers meld with tender chicken, herbs, and melted cheese, promising a satisfying meal that connects family and friends around one delicious dish.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Pasta and Base:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) penne pasta
• 1 can (10.5 ounces or 298 grams) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup milk

Seasonings and Topping:

• 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. Warm the kitchen oven to a precise 350°F temperature and prepare a spacious rectangular baking vessel with a gentle butter coating.
2. Submerge penne pasta in generously salted water, cooking until perfectly tender with a delicate resistance when bitten, then thoroughly drain and reserve.
3. Craft the casserole base by combining cooked pasta with succulent diced chicken, velvety cream of chicken soup, tangy sour cream, smooth milk, aromatic garlic and onion powders, fresh parsley, and a balanced blend of salt and pepper in a generously sized cooking pot.
4. Orchestrate the first layer of the casserole by distributing half the creamy pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating an even foundation.
5. Generously shower the initial layer with a luxurious blanket of sharp cheddar cheese, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
6. Carefully construct the second layer by adding the remaining pasta mixture, creating a harmonious culinary landscape.
7. Crown the casserole with another lavish layer of shredded cheddar cheese, promising a golden, melted topping.
8. Create a crispy breadcrumb embellishment by thoroughly mixing breadcrumbs with melted butter, then delicately sprinkling the mixture across the casserole’s surface.
9. Slide the assembled dish into the preheated oven, allowing it to transform for 25-30 minutes until the edges bubble enthusiastically and the top achieves a gloriously golden-brown complexion.
10. Allow the casserole a brief moment of reprieve after emerging from the oven, permitting the ingredients to settle before serving this comforting dish.

Notes

• Prep ahead by cooking chicken and boiling pasta in advance to save time during busy weeknights.
• Customize the casserole with your favorite herbs like basil or thyme for a personalized flavor twist.
• Use rotisserie chicken as a quick protein shortcut that adds extra flavor and reduces cooking time.
• Freeze individual portions for easy meal prep, storing in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
• Substitute low-fat dairy options to make this comfort dish lighter without compromising taste.
• Add frozen vegetables like peas or broccoli for extra nutrition and colorful texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 860 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 31 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg