Homestyle Chicken Penne Casserole

Homestyle Chicken Penne Casserole Recipe | A Comforting Family Favorite

Create a delicious and comforting meal with our homestyle chicken penne casserole recipe. With tender chicken, hearty penne pasta, and a creamy sauce, this dish is sure to become a go-to family favorite.

Introduction: Treat your family to a comforting and satisfying meal with our homestyle chicken penne casserole! This hearty dish features tender pieces of chicken, cooked penne pasta, and a creamy sauce, all baked together to perfection. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a dish to feed a crowd, this chicken penne casserole is sure to please. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious and comforting recipe that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven and Cook the Pasta:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken and Vegetables:
   • In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, and sauté until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
   • Add the diced red bell pepper and sliced mushrooms to the skillet, and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
   • Stir in the cooked chicken and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until heated through. Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
   • In a separate saucepan, heat the chicken broth and heavy cream over medium heat until simmering.
   • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta, chicken and vegetable mixture, and creamy sauce. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
5. Bake the Casserole:
   • Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
   • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish and Serve:
   • Remove the chicken penne casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
7. Enjoy: