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.
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Recipe Information
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)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the penne pasta in a pot of salted, boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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.
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.
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.
Combine the cooked penne pasta, chicken pieces, and the sauce in a large bowl. Mix well to evenly coat the pasta and chicken.
Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Transfer the pasta mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4115 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 201.0 g | 258% | |
| Saturated Fat | 100.1 g | 500% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 776 mg | 259% | |
| Sodium | 5665 mg | 246% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 308.5 g | 112% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 25.5 g | 91% | |
| Total Sugars | 27.5 g | ||
| Protein | 247.6 g | 495% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 2727 mg | 210% | |
| Iron | 22.0 mg | 122% | |
| Potassium | 3463 mg | 74% | |
*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.
