Description
A comforting and creamy Chicken Penne Casserole loaded with tender broccoli, mixed vegetables, rotisserie chicken, and a flavorful Italian dressing-infused sauce, baked to bubbly perfection with a cheesy mozzarella topping.
Ingredients
Pasta & Vegetables
- 8 ounces uncooked penne
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
Sauce & Seasonings
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup milk (2%)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 packet Italian dressing mix
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Protein & Cheese
- 2 cups shredded cooked/rotisserie chicken
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the oven rack in the top third of the oven to ensure even baking and browning.
- Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook it for 2 minutes less than package directions (approximately 8 minutes total). Add the broccoli florets to the pot during the last 2 minutes of pasta cooking (add broccoli at the 6-minute mark). Drain both together and transfer them to a 9x13 inch casserole dish.
- Prepare Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, freshly grated parmesan cheese, Italian dressing mix, onion powder, and minced garlic. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Ingredients in Casserole: Add the shredded cooked chicken and frozen mixed vegetables to the casserole dish with the pasta and broccoli. Pour the prepared sauce over the top and toss everything together until evenly coated.
- Assemble and Top: Smooth the mixture out into an even layer in the casserole dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
- Optional Broil: For a golden brown cheese topping, switch the oven to broil and cook for a few minutes more, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Season and Serve: Remove from oven and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm and enjoy your creamy chicken penne casserole.
Notes
- Broccoli florets can be fresh or frozen; fresh is preferred for texture.
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds flavor.
- The Italian dressing mix adds a nice tangy and herby flavor without needing extra spices.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Optional broiling gives a beautiful cheese crust—keep a close eye to avoid burning.
