If you’re looking for a dinner that’s creamy, cheesy, packed with flavor, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd—this Chicken Penne Casserole is it.
I stumbled onto this one during a fridge clean-out night. You know the kind—leftover chicken, a half-used jar of pesto, and a little pasta waiting to be used up. One pan and a lot of layering later, and it turned into a hit. My family went back for seconds, and suddenly, I was the hero of Tuesday night dinner.
It’s got all the good stuff—tender chicken, pasta, melty cheese, and a cozy mix of Alfredo and pesto sauces. This isn’t just a casserole—it’s comfort in a dish, and it makes enough to feed the whole crew or stash away some freezer meals for later.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Penne pasta – Holds up great with all the sauce and cheese.
- Cooked chicken – Rotisserie, grilled, or leftovers—it all works.
- Alfredo sauce – Adds creamy richness to the base.
- Pesto sauce – Brings that herby, garlicky punch.
- Crushed tomatoes – Balances the creaminess with a touch of tang.
- Baby spinach – Sneak in some greens for flavor and color.
- Italian cheese blend – The melt factor here is perfection.
- Milk – Helps everything blend together smoothly.
- Seasoned bread crumbs & Parmesan – For that golden, crispy topping.
Quick Tips Before You Start
- Undercook the pasta slightly—it’ll finish baking in the oven and soak up all that delicious sauce.
- Use a deep 9×13 dish or split into two smaller ones if you plan to freeze half.
- Mix the breadcrumb topping in advance so it’s ready to go when your casserole is assembled.
Let’s Get Cooking
Start by boiling a big pot of salted water. Cook your penne pasta until just shy of al dente, about 11 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
While the pasta’s going, grab a big bowl and stir together your cooked chicken, shredded cheese, spinach, crushed tomatoes, Alfredo sauce, pesto, and milk. Once the pasta’s ready, toss it in and give everything a good stir to combine.
Spoon the mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and olive oil until it’s evenly moistened. Sprinkle that golden goodness over the top of the casserole.
Bake uncovered at 350°F for 40–45 minutes until it’s bubbly and the top is golden brown. Let it sit for a few minutes before diving in—it’ll be hot!
Make It Your Own
- Swap the penne for rigatoni, rotini, or ziti
- Use turkey, shrimp, or sausage instead of chicken
- Add in extras like mushrooms, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes
- Want it spicy? Red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce does the trick
Storage & Freezer Tips
- Fridge: Keeps for 4–5 days, tightly covered.
- Freezer: Wrap portions or whole casseroles tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
- Reheat: Oven is best, but microwave works for individual servings.
What to Serve It With
- A crisp Caesar salad or garden salad
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls
- Roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli
Real Talk
This recipe is a lifesaver for busy nights or when you’re hosting. It’s creamy, hearty, and honestly just feels like home. Plus, it makes a big batch, which means tomorrow’s lunch is already handled. Win-win.
Chicken Penne Casserole
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 12
Ingredients
- 1 (16 oz) box penne pasta
- 6 cups cooked chicken, cubed
- 4 cups shredded Italian cheese blend
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) jar Alfredo sauce
- 1 (15 oz) jar pesto sauce
- 1½ cups milk
- ½ cup seasoned bread crumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook penne pasta in salted water until just al dente (about 11 minutes). Drain well.
- In a large bowl, combine chicken, cheese blend, spinach, tomatoes, Alfredo sauce, pesto, and milk. Stir in the cooked pasta.
- Pour mixture into prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix bread crumbs, Parmesan, and olive oil. Sprinkle evenly over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
- Let sit for 5–10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition (per serving):
Calories: ~760
Protein: 45g
Carbs: 41g
Fat: 47g
Sodium: Varies by brand
