Chicken Penne Casserole

By: Rabia

Creamy, cheesy pasta with a crispy topping — perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

📝 Ingredients

  • 1 lb penne pasta (slightly undercooked)

  • 3 cups cooked chicken (rotisserie, grilled, or leftover)

  • 2 cups shredded Italian cheese blend

  • 2 cups baby spinach

  • 1 can crushed tomatoes (about 14–15 oz)

  • 1 jar Alfredo sauce (about 15 oz)

  • 3 tbsp pesto sauce

  • ½ cup milk

  • 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the Pasta

  • Boil salted water and cook penne just shy of al dente (about 11 minutes).

  • Drain and set aside.

2️⃣ Mix the Filling

  • In a large bowl, combine chicken, Italian cheese blend, spinach, crushed tomatoes, Alfredo sauce, pesto, and milk.

  • Add pasta and stir until evenly coated.

3️⃣ Assemble

  • Spoon mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

  • In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and olive oil until crumbly.

  • Sprinkle topping evenly over casserole.

4️⃣ Bake

  • Bake uncovered at 350°F for 40–45 min, until bubbly and golden.

5️⃣ Rest & Serve

  • Let sit 5 minutes before serving.

💡 Tips:

  • Split into two smaller dishes before baking if you want to freeze half.

  • Add cooked mushrooms or roasted peppers for extra flavor.

Do you want me to also give you a freezer-friendly prep guide for this casserole so you can make it ahead in batches?

Rabia

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