Penne Casserole Recipe 🍝

Overview:

This delightful Penne Casserole recipe is a perfect blend of tender penne pasta, succulent shredded chicken breast, and a trio of cheeses, all baked to gooey perfection. It’s a comforting dish that’s sure to please your taste buds and leave you craving for more. Let’s dive into the recipe and create magic in the kitchen!

Ingredients:

Here’s what you’ll need:

2 cups penne pasta
4 slices Swiss cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded Colby cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 boneless chicken breast
Italian seasoning (to taste)
Spaghetti sauce

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 1073.7
Fat: 47.1g
Saturated Fat: 24.2g
Cholesterol: 151.6mg
Sodium: 1399.5mg
Carbohydrates: 108.8g
Fiber: 12.3g
Sugar: 17.7g
Protein: 55.1g

Instructions:

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Cook the Penne Pasta: Start by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it’s “normally” finished. You want it to be al dente, with a slight bite to it.
Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, shred the chicken breast and cook it in a skillet over medium heat. Add Italian seasoning to taste, mixing it in towards the end of cooking. You can also grind up the chicken while cooking it, similar to ground beef, for a different texture.
Layer the Casserole Dishes: Preheat your oven to broil. Take two small individual-size casserole dishes and layer half of the cooked penne pasta at the bottom of each dish.
Add the Chicken Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix the cooked chicken with spaghetti sauce until well combined. Fill each casserole dish with the chicken mixture on top of the penne pasta layer.
Cheese Layer: Sprinkle a layer of shredded Colby cheese over the chicken mixture in each dish. Then, place a slice of Swiss cheese on top.
Broil in the Oven: Place the casserole dishes in the oven under the broiler until the top layer of Swiss cheese is nice and melted, with a golden brown hue.
Repeat the Layers: Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove the dishes from the oven and repeat the layers with the remaining penne pasta, chicken mixture, and cheeses.
Serve and Enjoy: Once assembled, your Penne Casserole is ready to be served! Scoop out generous portions onto plates and savor every bite of this cheesy, flavorful dish.

Serving Suggestions:

Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
Serve alongside a crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
Pair with garlic bread or breadsticks for dipping into the cheesy goodness.

Tips:

For added flavor, consider incorporating chopped vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms into the chicken mixture.
Experiment with different types of cheese to customize the flavor profile of your casserole. Gouda, cheddar, or mozzarella would all work well in this recipe.
Make a larger batch and freeze individual portions for quick and convenient meals on busy days.

Conclusion:

This Penne Casserole recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings with friends. With its simple preparation and irresistible flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Give it a try and enjoy the comforting goodness of this cheesy pasta dish!