There’s something undeniably comforting about a homemade casserole bubbling away in the oven. The savory aroma fills the house, promising a meal that’s both satisfying and nourishing. A homestyle chicken penne casserole is the epitome of this cozy comfort food—a dish that wraps you in warmth with every bite.

This recipe is all about simplicity and heartiness, designed for those busy nights when you crave something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. With tender chicken, creamy sauce, and a golden, cheesy crust, this casserole is perfect for feeding the whole family or enjoying leftovers throughout the week.

Ingredients Overview

Penne Pasta: Penne pasta is a fantastic choice for casseroles, thanks to its tube-like shape and ridged surface. These features allow it to hold onto the creamy sauce, ensuring that each bite is packed with flavor. The pasta’s structure also helps it maintain its shape during baking, giving the casserole a satisfying texture that complements the soft, tender chicken.

Cooked Chicken: Using cooked chicken, especially leftovers or rotisserie chicken, makes this recipe incredibly convenient. It saves time and adds a depth of flavor that raw chicken wouldn’t bring. The pre-cooked chicken also blends seamlessly into the casserole, absorbing the creamy sauce while remaining moist and tender.

Cream of Chicken Soup: This pantry staple is the backbone of many casseroles, providing a rich and creamy base that binds all the ingredients together. The soup’s flavor is comforting and familiar, enhancing the overall taste of the dish while keeping it moist during baking.

Sour Cream: Sour cream introduces a pleasant tanginess and a rich, creamy texture to the casserole. It balances the heaviness of the cheese and the cream of chicken soup, adding a slight zing that makes the dish more complex and enjoyable.

Milk: Milk is essential for thinning the sauce to the perfect consistency. It ensures that the casserole isn’t overly thick or dry, allowing the sauce to coat the pasta and chicken evenly. The result is a smooth, creamy mixture that holds everything together.

Seasonings (Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Dried Parsley): These seasonings play a crucial role in enhancing the casserole’s flavor. Garlic powder adds a subtle depth, while onion powder provides a mild sweetness. Dried parsley offers a touch of freshness, balancing the richness of the other ingredients and adding a hint of herbaceousness.

Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar cheese is the star of the casserole’s cheesy layer, known for its excellent meltability and sharp flavor. As it melts, it forms a gooey, golden crust that complements the creamy sauce beneath, creating a delightful contrast in texture and taste.

Breadcrumbs and Butter: The combination of breadcrumbs and melted butter forms a crispy topping that adds a much-needed crunch to the casserole. This textural contrast elevates the dish, providing a satisfying bite that complements the soft, creamy layers below. The butter ensures the breadcrumbs brown evenly, resulting in a perfectly golden, crunchy crust.

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Preheating the Oven and Preparing the Baking Dish

The first step to making a delicious casserole is preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Preheating is crucial because it ensures that the casserole bakes evenly from the start. If you skip this step, the casserole might cook unevenly, leading to a mix of overcooked and undercooked areas.

While the oven is heating, take a 9×13 inch baking dish and generously butter it. Buttering the dish serves two purposes: it prevents the casserole from sticking to the pan and adds a subtle richness to the edges of the dish. Make sure to cover all the sides and corners, as this will make serving and cleaning up much easier later on.

Step 2: Cooking the Penne Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil before adding your penne pasta. The salt not only flavors the pasta as it cooks but also helps to enhance the overall flavor of the casserole. Cook the pasta just until al dente, which means it should be tender but still firm to the bite. This is important because the pasta will continue to cook while baking in the oven, and overcooking it now could result in a mushy casserole. Follow the package instructions for al dente cooking time, usually around 8-10 minutes.

Once the pasta is cooked, drain it well in a colander. Avoid rinsing the pasta, as this can wash away the starches that help the sauce cling to the noodles. Instead, let it drain thoroughly and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

Step 3: Mixing the Ingredients

In the same pot you used to cook the pasta, start combining the key ingredients for the casserole. First, return the drained penne to the pot. Add the diced cooked chicken, ensuring that the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the pasta.

Next, stir in the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk. These ingredients create the creamy base of the casserole. Mix them well until everything is fully incorporated, and the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. At this point, season the mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. The seasonings are essential for enhancing the flavor of the dish, so don’t skip this step. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Step 4: Layering the Casserole

With your pasta mixture ready, it’s time to assemble the casserole in the prepared baking dish. Start by spooning half of the pasta mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. This first layer forms the base of the casserole and should be smooth and level.

Next, sprinkle one cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the pasta layer. The cheese will melt as the casserole bakes, creating a rich, gooey middle layer. After the cheese, add the remaining pasta mixture, spreading it out evenly to cover the cheese. Finally, top the casserole with the second cup of shredded cheddar cheese. This final layer of cheese will form a golden, bubbly crust on top of the casserole.

Step 5: Preparing the Topping

To add a delightful crunch to your casserole, prepare a breadcrumb topping. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. The butter helps the breadcrumbs brown nicely and adds flavor.

Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top layer of cheese. This topping will turn golden and crispy as the casserole bakes, providing a satisfying contrast to the creamy layers below.

Step 6: Baking the Casserole

Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake it for 25-30 minutes. The casserole is done when it’s bubbling around the edges and the top has turned a beautiful golden-brown color. The bubbling indicates that the sauce is heated through and has thickened, while the golden top signals that the cheese and breadcrumbs are perfectly cooked.

If the top isn’t browning as much as you’d like, you can turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Just be sure to watch it closely to prevent burning.

Step 7: Resting Before Serving

Once the casserole is out of the oven, resist the urge to dig in immediately. Letting it rest for about 5-10 minutes is crucial. This resting period allows the casserole to set, making it easier to cut and serve. It also gives the flavors time to meld together, resulting in a richer, more cohesive dish. Serving too soon might result in a runny casserole, as the sauce needs time to thicken slightly as it cools. After a brief rest, your homestyle chicken penne casserole is ready to be enjoyed!

Serving Suggestions

Accompaniments

To complement the richness of the homestyle chicken penne casserole, consider serving it with a light and refreshing green salad. A salad made with crisp lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette will add a fresh contrast to the creamy casserole. Another excellent side is garlic bread, which can be used to soak up any leftover sauce on the plate. The combination of the crunchy bread and the soft, creamy casserole is a match made in comfort food heaven.

Garnishes

Garnishing your casserole can elevate its presentation and add a burst of fresh flavor. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil over the top just before serving will not only brighten the dish visually but also add a hint of herbal freshness. For those who love extra cheese, consider grating a bit of Parmesan or additional cheddar over the top while the casserole is still hot, allowing it to melt slightly for an extra cheesy finish.

Serving Size and Storing Leftovers

This casserole serves about 6-8 people, depending on portion sizes. If you have leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely before storing it. Transfer the leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the desired portion in an oven-safe dish and warm it in a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of homestyle chicken penne casserole is a hearty and satisfying meal, with approximately 450-500 calories per serving, depending on portion size. This dish provides a balanced macronutrient profile, offering around 20 grams of protein from the chicken and cheese, 35-40 grams of carbohydrates from the pasta, and 20-25 grams of fat, primarily from the cheese, sour cream, and butter.

Health Tips

If you’re looking to lighten up this casserole, there are a few easy adjustments you can make. Consider using low-fat or fat-free sour cream instead of the full-fat version to reduce the overall fat content. You can also opt for reduced-fat cheddar cheese or use half the amount of cheese called for in the recipe. Additionally, swapping the regular cream of chicken soup with a reduced-sodium or light version can help cut down on both calories and sodium. For an extra boost of nutrition, consider adding a handful of fresh or steamed vegetables, such as spinach or broccoli, to the casserole before baking. These tweaks can make the dish lighter while still maintaining its comforting and delicious qualities.

Variations and Substitutions

Protein Alternatives

This versatile casserole can easily be adapted to suit different tastes by swapping the chicken for other proteins. Turkey is an excellent alternative, especially if you have leftovers from a holiday meal. Its similar texture and flavor profile make it a seamless substitution. Ham is another great option, adding a slightly smoky and salty flavor that pairs well with the creamy sauce. For a vegetarian twist, consider using tofu. Firm or extra-firm tofu works best—simply press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then dice and sauté it before adding it to the casserole. This option provides a plant-based protein while absorbing the flavors of the dish.

Vegetarian Version

To make a completely meatless casserole, focus on adding hearty vegetables. Broccoli is a fantastic choice, offering a tender-crisp texture that complements the creamy sauce. Mushrooms are another excellent addition, providing a meaty texture and rich, umami flavor. You can also include other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach for added variety and nutrition. Simply sauté the vegetables lightly before mixing them with the pasta and sauce to ensure they cook evenly in the casserole.

Cheese Variations

While cheddar cheese is the classic choice, experimenting with other cheeses can bring new flavors to the casserole. Mozzarella is perfect if you’re looking for a milder flavor and a super stretchy, gooey texture. For a richer, more complex taste, try Gouda, which adds a slightly sweet and nutty flavor. A mix of cheeses, such as Monterey Jack and Parmesan, can also work well, offering a blend of creamy and sharp notes. Feel free to adjust the cheese quantities based on your preference for a milder or more intense flavor.

Gluten-Free Option

To accommodate gluten-free diets, simply swap out the regular pasta for a gluten-free penne. There are many high-quality gluten-free pasta options available that mimic the texture and taste of traditional pasta. Additionally, replace the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs. These are typically available in most grocery stores and will still provide the crispy topping that makes this casserole so satisfying. With these simple swaps, the casserole can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking Pasta

One of the most common mistakes when making a casserole is overcooking the pasta. It’s crucial to cook the pasta just until al dente, meaning it should be firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta will continue to soften in the oven, leading to a mushy texture that can detract from the overall enjoyment of the dish. To prevent this, closely follow the package instructions for al dente cooking, and be sure to drain the pasta as soon as it reaches the perfect texture.

Uneven Cheese Distribution

Cheese is a key component of this casserole, so it’s important to distribute it evenly for consistent flavor in every bite. To achieve this, layer the cheese carefully between the pasta mixtures and on top. Sprinkling the cheese in a thin, even layer ensures that each section of the casserole receives an equal amount, avoiding clumps of cheese in some areas and none in others. This approach guarantees that the cheesy goodness is spread throughout the dish.

Soggy Topping

A soggy breadcrumb topping can ruin the texture of your casserole. To prevent this, make sure the breadcrumbs are well coated in melted butter before sprinkling them on top. The butter helps the breadcrumbs brown evenly, creating a crisp and golden crust. Additionally, avoid covering the casserole with foil during baking, as this can trap steam and lead to a soggy topping. Baking the casserole uncovered allows the topping to crisp up beautifully.

Not Letting the Casserole Rest

Skipping the resting period after baking is a common mistake that can lead to a runny casserole. Letting the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes allows the sauce to thicken and set, making it easier to serve and enhancing the overall flavor. Cutting into the casserole too soon can result in a messy, less appealing presentation, and the flavors won’t have had time to meld together. Patience pays off with a perfectly set and flavorful dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this casserole ahead of time. Simply assemble the casserole as directed, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, allow the casserole to come to room temperature for about 20-30 minutes, then bake as directed. This is a great option for busy days when you need to get dinner on the table quickly.

What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?

If you prefer not to use canned cream of chicken soup, you can make a simple homemade version. Combine 2 tablespoons of butter, 2 tablespoons of flour, and 1 cup of chicken broth or milk in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, whisking until thickened. This mixture can replace the canned soup and adds a fresher flavor to the dish.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add some heat to your casserole, consider mixing in diced jalapeños or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when combining the ingredients. You can also use a spicy cheese, such as pepper jack, in place of or in addition to the cheddar cheese. A drizzle of hot sauce over the finished casserole is another easy way to amp up the spice level.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, this casserole freezes well. Allow the leftovers to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer-safe dish. You can freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake in a 350°F oven until heated through.

What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Cooked chicken breast or thigh meat works best for this casserole. You can use leftover roasted chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even poached chicken. The key is to ensure the chicken is well-seasoned and cooked before adding it to the casserole for the best flavor and texture.

Conclusion

This homestyle chicken penne casserole is a simple yet delicious dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to any meal. With tender chicken, creamy sauce, and a crispy, cheesy topping, it’s sure to become a family favorite. The recipe is easy to follow, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. We encourage you to give this casserole a try—whether you stick to the original recipe or experiment with your own variations. We’d love to hear how it turns out, so don’t hesitate to share your experiences and any creative twists you add!