Description

This comforting Chicken Penne Casserole combines tender penne pasta, broccoli, and shredded chicken in a creamy sauce made with cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and parmesan cheese. Enhanced with Italian dressing mix, garlic, and a medley of vegetables, it’s topped with melted mozzarella and baked to bubbly perfection—a perfect family-friendly meal ready in under an hour.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Pasta and Vegetables

8 ounces uncooked penne pasta
4 cups broccoli florets
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables

Sauce and Seasonings

1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
1 cup 2% milk
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 and Cheese Topping

2 cups shredded cooked or rotisserie chicken
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

To Taste

Salt and pepper

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the oven rack in the top third to prepare for baking the casserole.
Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook the penne pasta for about 8 minutes total, which is 2 minutes less than package directions, and add broccoli florets during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain both together and transfer to a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
Prepare Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, 2% milk, sour cream, freshly grated parmesan cheese, Italian dressing mix, onion powder, and minced garlic. Stir vigorously until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
Combine Ingredients: Add shredded cooked chicken and frozen mixed vegetables directly into the casserole dish with the pasta and broccoli. Pour the prepared sauce over the top and toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
Top and Smooth: Spread the mixture into an even layer in the casserole dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the casserole surface.
Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
Optional Broil: For a golden, bubbly cheese topping, broil the casserole for a few minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Season and Serve: Remove from oven, season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve warm.

Notes

Broccoli can be substituted with other vegetables like asparagus or green beans based on preference.
Use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time on shredding and cooking chicken.
If you prefer a thicker casserole, drain pasta and vegetables very well before mixing.
Watch the casserole closely during broiling to avoid burning the cheese.
To make this dish lower in fat, use low-fat sour cream and reduced-fat cheese options.