Chicken Penne Casserole
This is my No. 1 favorite casserole recipe. I usually prepare it in the early afternoon so that I can clean my kitchen and then relax while it bakes. It wont disappoint
This is my No. 1 favorite casserole recipe. I usually prepare it in the early afternoon so that I can clean my kitchen and then relax while it bakes. It wont disappoint
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 1/2 cup each chopped onion green pepper and sweet red pepper
- 1 teaspoon each dried basil oregano and parsley flakes
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated romano cheese
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked penne pasta
- 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- Carbohydrate 31.8542549432122 g
- Cholesterol 125.76489365 mg
- Fat 25.0657235728284 g
- Fiber 1.97673693309378 g
- Protein 56.0172878472752 g
- Saturated Fat 12.7094816219063 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (481g)
- Sodium 1750.60680170965 mg
- Sugar 29.8775180101184 g
- Trans Fat 2.51559055611225 g
- Calories 585 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large saucepan, saute the chicken, onion, peppers and seasonings in oil until chicken is no longer pink.
- Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer.
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- Meanwhile, process tomatoes and tomato paste in a blender; add to chicken mixture.
- Stir in broth.
- Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until slightly thickened.
- Drain pasta; toss with chicken mixture.
- Spoon half of the mixture into a greased 2-qt. baking dish.
- Sprinkle with half of the cheeses.
- Repeat layers.
- Cover and bake at 350? for 30 minutes.
- Uncover; bake 15-20 minutes longer or until heated through.
My Go-To Comfort Food: Chicken Penne Casserole
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying meal can feel like a Herculean task. Weeknights are often a whirlwind of school pick-ups, homework battles, and the ever-present to-do list. That's why I rely on recipes that are both flavorful and easy to prepare, recipes that allow me to enjoy a home-cooked meal without sacrificing precious family time. And this Chicken Penne Casserole is my absolute champion in that category.
This casserole isn't just a quick weeknight meal; it's a comforting classic that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner. The creamy tomato sauce, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and tender chicken create a symphony of flavors that will leave everyone wanting more. What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. I can often prep much of it ahead of time, leaving the baking for when I have a few free minutes in the afternoon. The aroma that fills my kitchen as it bakes is an added bonus, promising a delicious reward for a little effort. It’s a true testament to the fact that simple, delicious meals don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. The ingredients are readily available at any grocery store, and the process itself is surprisingly straightforward. I often find myself adjusting the recipe based on what I have on hand; sometimes I’ll add some spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrients, other times I’ll swap out the cheeses for something a little different. It’s adaptable to my preferences and what’s available, making it a real workhorse recipe in my repertoire. This flexibility is key for me, as a busy woman, because it allows me to get creative in the kitchen without sacrificing time or flavor.
Beyond its ease and deliciousness, this casserole also holds a special place in my heart because it’s a recipe that brings my family together. The aroma that wafts from the oven acts as an invisible magnet, drawing everyone to the kitchen, anticipating the warm, comforting flavors awaiting them. These are the moments that matter most – the shared laughter, the stories told over plates piled high with pasta, the feeling of connection and warmth that only a home-cooked meal can provide. It's more than just food; it’s a memory maker, a family tradition in the making, a simple act of love disguised as a delicious casserole.
So, the next time you're feeling overwhelmed by the demands of your day, remember this Chicken Penne Casserole. It's a reminder that delicious, satisfying meals can be simple, quick, and packed with love. It’s a recipe that nourishes not just the body, but also the soul, and creates memories that will last a lifetime. This is the kind of comfort food that deserves a place in every busy mom’s recipe collection, and it just might become your new go-to favorite too.
