My aunt makes this 4 ingredient dish every spring and it always disappears in seconds

Every spring when the asparagus shows up at our little grocery store, I think of my aunt and this ridiculously simple baked chicken asparagus penne. She’s been bringing it to Easter and end-of-school gatherings for as long as I can remember, and there are never leftovers. It’s one of those four-ingredient, dump-and-bake casseroles that feels cozy and creamy, but still fresh from the bright green asparagus. If you’re a busy parent or just want something you can slide into the oven while you tidy up the kitchen or help with homework, this is a wonderful go-to.

This casserole is hearty enough to stand on its own, but I like to round it out with a simple green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil to echo the spring flavors. Warm garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for scooping up the extra creamy sauce from the corners of the dish. For kids, a side of apple slices or carrot sticks keeps things familiar. If you’re serving guests, add a light white wine like Pinot Grigio for the adults and sparkling water with lemon wedges for everyone else.

Servings: 6

12 oz (about 4 cups) dry penne pasta

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch glass baking dish with cooking spray or a little oil. This helps keep the pasta from sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Spread the dry, uncooked penne pasta evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish. Shake the dish gently so the pasta settles into an even layer.

Scatter the raw chicken pieces evenly over the dry pasta. Try to keep the pieces in a single layer so they cook through at the same rate. Sprinkle lightly with salt and black pepper if using.

Add the asparagus pieces on top of the chicken, spreading them out so there’s a good mix of green throughout the dish. The tips can sit mostly on top; they’ll get tender and a little toasty.

Pour the Alfredo sauce evenly over everything, making sure to cover the pasta, chicken, and asparagus as much as possible. Use the back of a spoon or a spatula to gently nudge the sauce into the corners and down between the pasta so it can cook in the sauce and become creamy.

Cover the baking dish tightly with foil. This traps the steam so the dry pasta can soften and the chicken cooks gently in the sauce without drying out.

Bake covered for 35 minutes. Carefully remove the foil (watch for hot steam), give the casserole a gentle stir from the edges toward the center to loosen any pasta that’s sticking, and smooth the top back out.

Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling around the edges, the asparagus is tender, and the chicken is cooked through (it should reach 165°F/74°C in the thickest pieces). The top will look creamy with little browned, bubbly spots.

Let the casserole rest on the counter for about 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken slightly so it clings to the penne and makes it easier to scoop neat portions. Taste and add a little more salt and pepper if needed, then serve warm straight from the glass dish.

For picky eaters, you can cut the asparagus very small so it blends in with the pasta, or keep some of the casserole plain on one side by piling more asparagus on just half of the dish. If your family loves extra creaminess, stir in an additional 1/2 cup of Alfredo sauce before baking, or drizzle a little more over individual servings. To lighten it up a bit, choose a lighter Alfredo sauce and use whole-wheat penne for more fiber; just know whole-wheat pasta can stay slightly firmer, so check tenderness before pulling it from the oven. If you like a bit of crunch, you can sprinkle a few tablespoons of seasoned breadcrumbs or crushed butter crackers over the top during the last 10 minutes of baking, though this will technically add another ingredient beyond the base four. For make-ahead prep, assemble everything up to the point of covering with foil, refrigerate for up to 8 hours, then add 5–10 extra minutes to the covered baking time since it will be starting cold. Food safety tips: Always use clean cutting boards and knives, keeping raw chicken separate from vegetables and cooked foods. Wash your hands well after handling raw chicken. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C); if you’re unsure, cut into a larger piece in the center to check that it’s no longer pink and the juices run clear. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of baking and use within 3–4 days, reheating until hot and steaming all the way through before serving.