Made this tonight and didn't change a thing! So flavorful!

Hey friends! Today I'm sharing a soul-warming recipe that's perfect for busy weeknights or when you need that comforting hug in the form of food—Chicken Penne Casserole. It's got all the beloved flavors of an Italian-American kitchen with the gooey, cheesy goodness that makes everyone at the table smile. This dish is a nod to classic baked pastas but with a straightforward twist, because who has the time to spend all evening in the kitchen? Whether you're feeding a family or prepping for leftovers to take to work, this casserole has got you covered.

Pair this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad dressed with a zesty vinaigrette to add a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, cheesy pasta. Maybe toss in some cucumber slices for that extra crunch. Oh, and let's not forget a hunk of crusty bread to mop up every last bit of that marinara sauce. If you're going for the extra veggie points, roasted broccoli or asparagus make great companions too.

Servings: 6

- 12 oz penne pasta, uncooked
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (a great use for leftover rotisserie chicken!)
- 1 (24 oz) jar of your favorite marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until it's just al dente. You want it a bit firmer since it'll keep cooking in the oven.

2. Grab a little bit of olive oil and give a nice coat to your casserole dish to make sure nothing sticks. It's all about those little hacks that make clean-up easier, am I right?

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

4. Once you've got everything feeling like they're best friends in the bowl, pour half of it into the prepared casserole dish. Now, sprinkle half of the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan right over.

5. Follow that with the rest of the pasta mixture and again with the remaining cheese. We want those rich, gooey layers!

6. Bake uncovered for around 25 minutes. You're looking for bubbly edges and a gorgeous golden cheese pull that all your dreams are made of.

7. Give it a moment to cool off just a tad before you dive into it, and then garnish with some fresh basil if you're feeling fancy.

- Veggies are a great add, folks. Mix in some spinach or bell peppers with the pasta if you want to sneak in some greens.
- If you need this to be gluten-free, just swap out the regular penne for your favorite gluten-free option. Pastas have come a long way, and there are some awesome alternatives out there!
- To make this ahead of time, assemble everything, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. When you're ready, pop it in the oven and add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it's coming from the cold.
- Spice lovers, don't hold back. Red pepper flakes can add a lovely kick to this dish if you're up for it!