Chicken Penne Casserole

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this irresistible Chicken Penne Casserole—a hearty, oven-baked dish that combines tender chicken, al dente penne pasta, and a creamy tomato sauce infused with garlic, onions, and Italian seasoning. Topped with a bubbling layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, this casserole is the epitome of cheesy perfection. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family meal, this recipe takes just 20 minutes of prep and serves six generous portions. Elevate the flavors further with a dash of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a vibrant finish. Whether served with a crisp side salad or warm garlic bread, this easy casserole is sure to become a household favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 3 pieces garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Cook the penne pasta in a pot of salted, boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Step 4

Season the chicken breasts with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook the chicken in the skillet for 5-6 minutes on each side until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove the chicken and let it rest for a few minutes before cutting it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 5

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic and diced onion for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and softened.

Step 6

Add the crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper to the skillet. Stir and allow the sauce to simmer for 5-7 minutes.

Step 7

Combine the cooked penne pasta, chicken pieces, and the sauce in a large bowl. Mix well to evenly coat the pasta and chicken.

Step 8

Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Transfer the pasta mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 9

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top of the casserole.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 11

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2176.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4115.2

Total Fat 201.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 100.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 776.4mg	0%
Sodium 5664.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 308.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 25.5g	0%
Total Sugars 27.5g
Protein 247.6g	0%

Vitamin D 3.5IU	0%
Calcium 2726.6mg	0%
Iron 22.0mg	0%
Potassium 3463.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 44.9%

Protein: 24.6%

Carbs: 30.6%