This Chicken Penne Casserole recipe is the ultimate cozy, cheesy comfort food that’s easy to make, family-friendly, and packed with flavor. It’s a creamy, oven-baked pasta dish loaded with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and melty mozzarella—perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping. Best of all, it comes together with simple pantry staples and delivers that warm, satisfying “home-cooked” feel in every bite.

If you’re wondering what to make with leftover rotisserie chicken, this chicken penne bake is one of my absolute favorites. It’s rich, creamy, and incredibly filling—everything you want in a baked pasta casserole!

Chicken Penne Casserole

Why you’ll love it

I absolutely love how comforting and versatile this Chicken Penne Casserole is. It’s one of those recipes I keep coming back to because it never disappoints. The combination of juicy chicken, tender pasta, crisp-tender broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce is just irresistible.

What makes this dish truly special is how everything comes together in one baking dish. There’s no complicated prep or fancy techniques required—just simple ingredients layered into a delicious, bubbling casserole.

Here’s why I think you’ll love it too:

• Easy to make – minimal prep and straightforward steps
• Perfect for leftovers – great way to use rotisserie chicken
• Family-friendly – creamy, cheesy, and comforting flavors
• Loaded with veggies – broccoli and mixed vegetables add color and nutrition
• Make-ahead friendly – ideal for busy schedules

Every time I make this, my kitchen smells amazing, and it always disappears fast. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table.

What you’ll need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients I use and why they work so well in this casserole:

• Penne pasta – Holds the creamy sauce perfectly in every bite
• Broccoli florets – Adds freshness and a slight crunch
• Cream of chicken soup – The base for that rich, creamy sauce
• Milk – Helps thin the sauce while keeping it smooth
• Sour cream – Adds tanginess and extra creaminess
• Parmesan cheese – Gives a nutty, savory depth of flavor
• Italian dressing mix – A secret flavor booster packed with herbs and seasoning
• Onion powder – Enhances the overall flavor
• Garlic – Freshly minced for bold aroma and taste
• Cooked chicken – Rotisserie chicken works perfectly here
• Frozen mixed vegetables – Adds texture, color, and nutrition
• Mozzarella cheese – Melts into a gooey, cheesy topping
• Salt & pepper – To balance and enhance flavors

Tools for this recipe

I like to keep things simple in the kitchen, and this recipe doesn’t require anything fancy:

• A large pot for boiling pasta
• A mixing bowl for the sauce
• A 9×13 casserole dish
• A colander for draining pasta
• A wooden spoon or spatula

How to make Chicken Penne Casserole

This is a quick overview. You’ll find the full detailed instructions in the recipe card below.

Step 1: Prep the ingredients

I start by cooking the penne pasta until al dente. While that’s cooking, I lightly steam or blanch the broccoli so it stays vibrant and slightly crisp.

Step 2: Make the creamy sauce

In a large bowl, I mix together the cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, parmesan cheese, Italian dressing mix, onion powder, and garlic. The sauce becomes smooth, creamy, and packed with flavor.

Step 3: Combine everything

Next, I add the cooked pasta, chicken, broccoli, and frozen vegetables into the bowl. I toss everything together until evenly coated in that delicious sauce.

Step 4: Assemble the casserole

I transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish and spread it evenly. Then I top it generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 5: Bake to perfection

I bake it in the oven until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. The smell at this point is absolutely incredible!

Pro tips

Over time, I’ve learned a few tricks that make this casserole even better:

• Don’t overcook the pasta – Keep it al dente since it will cook more in the oven
• Use freshly grated cheese – It melts better and tastes richer
• Season carefully – The soup and dressing mix already contain salt
• Let it rest before serving – This helps the casserole set nicely

Substitutions and variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is. Here are some variations I’ve tried:

• Swap broccoli for spinach – Stir it in at the end until wilted
• Use turkey instead of chicken – Great for leftovers
• Add mushrooms or bell peppers – For extra flavor and texture
• Make it spicy – Add chili flakes or diced jalapeños
• Use cheddar instead of mozzarella – For a sharper cheesy taste

What to serve with this casserole

Since this dish is rich and filling, I like to pair it with something light:

• Fresh green salad
• Garlic bread or dinner rolls
• Roasted vegetables
• Simple cucumber salad

Leftovers and storage

This casserole stores really well, which makes it perfect for meal prep.

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Reheating: Warm in the oven or microwave with a splash of milk
• Freezing: You can freeze it, but the texture may change slightly due to the creamy sauce