Chicken pasta casserole is a creamy baked dinner made with tender chicken, pasta, vegetables, soup, broth, and cheddar cheese. This easy casserole combines everything in one baking dish, then bakes until the pasta turns tender, the chicken cooks through, and the cheese melts into a cozy golden topping.

This recipe works perfectly for busy weeknights because you do not need to boil the pasta first. The uncooked penne bakes directly in the sauce, which makes this chicken casserole simple, hearty, and family-friendly.

Recipe Overview

Detail	Information
Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	55 minutes
Total Time	1 hour 10 minutes
Servings	4 servings
Difficulty	Easy
Cuisine	American
Course	Dinner
Method	Baked Casserole
Main Keyword	Chicken Pasta Casserole

Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Condensed cream of celery soup	1 can, 10.5 oz	Creates the creamy base
Milk	1/2 cup	Helps loosen the sauce
Low-sodium chicken broth or water	1/2 cup	Helps cook the pasta
Kosher salt	1/2 teaspoon	Adjust to taste
Ground black pepper	1/4 teaspoon	Adds light seasoning
Garlic powder	1/4 teaspoon	Adds savory flavor
Onion, finely diced	1/2 cup	Adds depth
Fresh mushrooms, sliced	1 cup	Adds texture and flavor
Red bell pepper, finely diced	1/2 cup	Adds color and sweetness
Celery stalks, finely diced	2 stalks	Adds freshness and crunch
Boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced	1/2 lb	Use raw diced chicken
Uncooked penne pasta	1 1/2 cups	Do not boil before baking
Sharp cheddar cheese, grated and divided	1 cup	Use 1/2 cup inside and 1/2 cup on top

Ingredient Notes

• Use uncooked penne pasta for this chicken pasta casserole. The pasta absorbs liquid from the sauce while baking, which helps create a creamy texture. Penne works well because it holds the sauce inside its shape.
• The cream of celery soup gives the casserole a smooth and savory base. You can use cream of chicken soup if you want a stronger chicken flavor. You can also use cream of mushroom soup if you prefer a deeper, earthy taste.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth when possible. The condensed soup and cheddar already contain salt, so low-sodium broth helps keep the casserole balanced.
• For the chicken, use boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into small pieces. Smaller pieces cook more evenly and stay tender inside the casserole.
• Sharp cheddar cheese gives this easy casserole a stronger flavor. Mild cheddar also works, but sharp cheddar gives the topping a better cheesy finish.

How To Make Chicken Pasta Casserole

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
2. Spray an 8-inch square baking dish with cooking spray. This helps prevent the creamy sauce and melted cheese from sticking.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of celery soup, milk, chicken broth, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
4. Add the diced onion, sliced mushrooms, red bell pepper, celery, diced chicken, uncooked penne pasta, and 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese.
5. Stir everything well until the pasta and chicken are fully coated in the creamy sauce.
6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread it into an even layer so the pasta cooks evenly.
7. Cover the dish tightly with foil. This step is important because it traps steam and helps cook the pasta.
8. Bake for 45 minutes.
9. Remove the foil carefully. Stir the casserole directly in the baking dish.
10. Check the pasta. It should be close to al dente. If the pasta is still too firm, cover the dish again and bake for a few more minutes.
11. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese over the top.
12. Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered.
13. Bake for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked, the pasta is tender, and the cheese melts on top.
14. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken slightly.

How To Know When The Casserole Is Done

The chicken pasta casserole is ready when the pasta is tender, the sauce looks creamy, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

The cheese on top should be melted and lightly bubbly. The casserole should not look watery. If it looks too loose, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. The pasta will continue to absorb some of the sauce as it sits.

Pro Tips For The Best Chicken Pasta Casserole

• Cut the chicken into small, even pieces. This helps the chicken cook at the same speed as the pasta.
• Cover the baking dish tightly with foil during the first part of baking. If the foil is loose, too much steam can escape, and the pasta may not cook properly.
• Stir the casserole after the first bake. This helps move the pasta around and prevents dry spots.
• Do not add all the cheese at the beginning. Mixing half into the casserole gives creamy flavor, while saving the rest for the top creates a better melted finish.
• Let the casserole rest before serving. This small step makes the sauce thicker and helps the portions hold together better.

Easy Variations

Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole

Add 1 cup of small broccoli florets before baking. Broccoli works well with cheddar and turns this into a simple chicken broccoli pasta bake.

Chicken Mushroom Pasta Casserole

Use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of celery soup and add extra sliced mushrooms. This creates a deeper, richer flavor.

Spicy Chicken Pasta Casserole

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small amount of diced jalapeño. This gives the casserole a little heat without overpowering the creamy sauce.

Extra Cheesy Chicken Casserole

Add another 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese if you want a richer, cheesier casserole. You can also mix cheddar with mozzarella for a stretchy topping.

Chicken Pasta Casserole With Peas

Stir in 1/2 cup frozen peas before baking. They add color and a mild sweet flavor that works well with the creamy sauce.

What To Serve With Chicken Pasta Casserole

This chicken pasta casserole is filling on its own, but you can serve it with simple sides for a complete dinner.

A green salad keeps the meal fresh and light. Garlic bread works well if you want a cozy comfort food dinner. Steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or a simple cucumber salad also pair nicely with the creamy pasta and chicken.

For a lighter plate, serve a smaller portion of casserole with roasted vegetables or a crisp side salad.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover chicken pasta casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Let the casserole cool before storing it. This helps keep the texture better and prevents extra moisture from building up inside the container.

Reheating Instructions

Reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot. Add a small splash of milk or broth if the pasta looks dry.

You can also reheat the casserole in the oven. Place it in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F until heated through.

Can You Freeze Chicken Pasta Casserole?

Yes, you can freeze chicken pasta casserole, but the pasta may become softer after thawing. For best results, freeze it in portions.

Let the casserole cool completely. Transfer it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Add a little broth or milk when reheating to bring back some creaminess.

Nutrition Estimate

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving
Calories	390 kcal
Protein	28 g
Carbohydrates	34 g
Fat	16 g
Saturated Fat	8 g
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	5 g
Sodium	720 mg
Calcium	210 mg
Iron	2 mg