If you’re craving a dish that feels like a big, warm hug from the inside, then this Creamy Chicken Pasta Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a comforting, cheesy, and luscious blend of tender chicken, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and a rich cream sauce that melds with gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking to impress friends with minimal effort, this casserole is a total crowd-pleaser that brings joy to the dinner table every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Creamy Chicken Pasta Casserole Recipe is delightfully straightforward. Each component plays a crucial role, balancing flavor, texture, and color to make this casserole truly irresistible.
- Penne pasta: Holds onto all the creamy sauce perfectly while providing a satisfying bite.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps brown the chicken evenly.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Provides tender, juicy pieces packed with protein.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the overall flavor.
- Paprika: Adds a gentle smoky warmth that deepens the dish’s flavor profile.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: Key powdered spices that layer in savory depth.
- Fresh minced garlic: Adds vibrant aroma and boldness to the sauce.
- Heavy cream: Creates that ultra-luxurious creamy base for the casserole.
- Chicken broth: Lightens the richness while enhancing savory notes.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a salty, nutty sharpness that melts beautifully into the sauce.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Divided to enrich the sauce and create a golden bubbly topping.
- Chopped fresh parsley: Provides a fresh, colorful garnish that brightens each bite.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Pasta Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and help with easy cleanup. Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente, so it still holds some firmness and won’t get mushy in the casserole. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and season generously with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook the chicken until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
Step 3: Add Garlic for Aroma
Stir in the minced fresh garlic and cook it for just 30 to 45 seconds until fragrant—this step releases intense flavor without burning the garlic, adding a layer of aromatic goodness that infuses the entire dish.
Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce
Pour the heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet with the chicken. Bring it to a gentle simmer, letting the sauce thicken slightly as you stir occasionally, about 5 minutes. The creamy base is what makes this casserole so luscious and comforting.
Step 5: Melt the Cheeses into the Sauce
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Keep stirring until the cheeses melt completely, creating a smooth, velvety sauce that clings perfectly to each pasta piece.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, ensuring every bit is coated generously with that cheesy cream sauce, so every forkful delivers a rich, harmonious bite of flavor and texture.
Step 7: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer your creamy chicken and pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly, then sprinkle the remaining 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella over the top. This layer will melt and brown beautifully in the oven, creating a golden crust you’ll love.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake the casserole for 20 to 25 minutes until the top turns golden and bubbly around the edges. This baking step melds all the flavors and ensures a satisfyingly hot, gooey dish straight from the oven.
Step 9: Rest and Cool Slightly
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes. This resting time helps the sauce thicken a bit more and makes serving easier without losing any of the creamy magic.
Step 10: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness to balance the richness. Now your Creamy Chicken Pasta Casserole Recipe is ready to wow everyone at the table!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Pasta Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is a simple yet elegant garnish that brightens the casserole visually and adds a subtle herbaceous note. You can also consider a dusting of extra Parmesan or a few red pepper flakes to please those who love a little heat.
Side Dishes
Since this casserole is rich and filling, it pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, steamed seasonal vegetables, or lightly roasted asparagus. A side of garlic bread or a warm baguette rounds out the meal and is perfect for mopping up any extra creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins topped with their own bubbly crust. This makes for a charming presentation for dinner parties. Alternatively, layering in a clear casserole dish lets your loved ones admire the creamy, cheesy layers before digging in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Creamy Chicken Pasta Casserole Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it an excellent make-ahead meal for busy nights.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers or even prepare the casserole ahead and freeze it unbaked. Wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
Reheating
Reheat portions in the microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally for even heat. For a crispier top, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and hot all the way through.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this casserole?
Absolutely! While penne works great for holding the creamy sauce, you can switch it out with rigatoni, rotini, or even fusilli. Just make sure to cook it al dente so it doesn’t get mushy in the bake.
Is it possible to substitute the heavy cream?
You can try half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter dish, but keep in mind the sauce won’t be as thick or rich. Adding a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch can help thicken the sauce if using lighter dairy.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the chicken with your choice of sautéed mushrooms, roasted vegetables, or even plant-based chicken substitutes. The creamy sauce remains just as delicious.
What type of cheese is best for this casserole?
Using freshly grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella gives the best melt and flavor. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents which can affect the sauce’s texture.
How spicy is this casserole?
This recipe is mild and family-friendly, with just a hint of smokiness from paprika. You can easily add chili flakes or cayenne if you want a little kick.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Pasta Casserole Recipe is a true gem for any home cook looking to whip up something that feels special without the fuss. It’s creamy, cheesy, and utterly comforting, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover how effortlessly it becomes a beloved staple in your recipe collection!
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Creamy Chicken Pasta Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy chicken pasta casserole combines tender penne pasta with juicy, seasoned chicken in a rich, cheesy sauce made from heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses. Baked to golden perfection, it’s a comforting dish perfect for family dinners or meal prepping.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound penne pasta
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning them 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 garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 to 45 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the sauce: 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.
- Melt the cheeses: Lower the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan and 1/2 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and the sauce becomes smooth.
- Toss pasta in sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat all the pasta with the creamy sauce.
- Assemble casserole: Transfer the pasta and chicken mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly around the edges.
- Rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to set before serving.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness, then serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli if preferred.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or reduce the amount of cheese.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta; it should be al dente as it continues to cook in the oven.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, cover loosely with foil and warm in the oven to maintain the creamy texture.
