Chicken and Ham Casserole
Comfort food meets hearty home-cooked flavor in this Chicken and Ham Casserole, a satisfying dish perfect for family dinners or potlucks. This recipe combines tender shredded chicken, savory diced ham, and perfectly cooked penne pasta, all enveloped in a rich, creamy cheese sauce made from cheddar and Parmesan. With its golden, bubbly finish baked to perfection, this casserole pairs classic ingredients like garlic and parsley with a velvety roux for the ultimate cheesy indulgence. Quick to prep and easy to assemble, it's a one-dish wonder that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. Ideal for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for entertaining, this Chicken and Ham Casserole is comfort food at its finest.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Diced cooked ham
- 2 cups Penne pasta
- 3 tablespoons Butter
- 3 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 2 cups Milk
- 1 cup Chicken broth
- 1.5 cups Shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cups Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Remove from the skillet and shred or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute to form a roux.
Slowly pour in the milk and chicken broth while whisking, ensuring no lumps form. Continue to cook and stir for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, diced ham, and the cheese sauce. Mix well to coat everything evenly.
Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley, if desired, before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3135 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 140.8 g | 181% | |
| Saturated Fat | 77.8 g | 389% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 778 mg | 259% | |
| Sodium | 8189 mg | 356% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 200.8 g | 73% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.4 g | 30% | |
| Total Sugars | 28.2 g | ||
| Protein | 263.7 g | 527% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.6 mcg | 28% | |
| Calcium | 2357 mg | 181% | |
| Iron | 14.4 mg | 80% | |
| Potassium | 2925 mg | 62% | |
*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.
