Healthy Famz Healthy Family News essential tips for a healthy family. Explore practical advice to keep your family happy and healthy.
Related Articles
This Creamy Chicken Pasta Casserole is both creamy and cheesy! With bite-sized chicken pieces, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, homemade white sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Easy to prepare and packed with amazing flavor, it’s perfect for any night of the week!
This chicken pasta casserole recipe is a great way to use up leftover chicken and makes an easy meal that the whole family will enjoy. It’s one of those easy chicken casserole recipes that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or for serving picky eaters who love creamy, cheesy comfort food.
Chicken and Pasta Casserole should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator
for 3-4 days. To Reheat: Reheat on the stovetop, or in the microwave. Add a splash of water, or heavy cream to loosen it up before reheaHng.
I do not recommend freezing this dish due to the sauce.
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as rigatoni, fusilli, or ziti. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Absolutely! Chicken thighs can add more flavor and moisture to the dish. Just ensure they are boneless and cut into bite-sized pieces.
Absolutely! Adding vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers can enhance the dish’s nutriHonal value and flavor.
Substitutions:
- Penne Pasta: substitute with any other pasta shape such as rotni, rigatoni, or farfalle.
- Chicken Breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or a roHsserie chicken.
- Heavy Cream: substitute with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and butter.
- Parmesan Cheese: substitute with Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Use provolone, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
Creamy Chicken Pasta Casserole
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds unHl fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese. Continue stirring until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with the remaining 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese.
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or unHl the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top of the casserole and serve.
What should I serve with my pasta bake?
- Garlic Bread: Warm, crispy garlic bread is a perfect side to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.
- Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Simple steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus add a healthy and colorful side.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These add a savory, caramelized flavor that pairs well with the creamy pasta.
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad with crunchy croutons and Parmesan cheese complements the pasta dish well.
More Casserole Recipe You Will Love
click the stars to rate!
Creamy Chicken Pasta Casserole
This chicken pasta casserole recipe is a great way to use up leftover chicken and makes an easy meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Email this recipe!
Get this recipe emailed straight to your inbox!
Prevent your screen from going dark
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and sHr in the grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese. Continue stirring until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with the remaining 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese.
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top of the casserole and serve.
Calories: 554kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 137mg | Sodium: 780mg | Potassium: 479mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1251IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 312mg | Iron: 1mg
Nutritional Disclaimer: Family Fresh Meals is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
Sharing of this recipe is encouraged and appreciated. Copying of full recipe to any social media is prohibited.
Did You Make This Recipe?
Make sure to share it with me below!
Corey
