Italian Chicken Casserole

Few dishes bring comfort to the table quite like a bubbling, cheesy Italian Chicken Casserole. Packed with tender chicken, colorful vegetables, hearty pasta, and melty mozzarella, this dish is pure weeknight magic. It’s the kind of meal that fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas and gathers everyone around the table without much effort.

Perfect for busy evenings, family dinners, or chilly nights, this casserole proves that simple ingredients can create truly satisfying flavors. Inspired by classic Italian comfort food, it delivers big taste while staying budget-friendly and easy to prepare. If you enjoy no-fuss meals like a Cheesy Vegetable Bake, this Italian Chicken Casserole will quickly earn a place in your regular rotation.

What Is Italian Chicken Casserole?

Italian Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort dish that combines familiar Italian flavors with the convenience of a one-dish meal. Instead of layering like lasagna, everything is mixed together—chicken, pasta, vegetables, sauce, and cheese—then baked until perfectly creamy and golden.

It’s rustic, cozy, and incredibly forgiving, making it ideal for home cooks of all levels. As the saying goes, the way to the heart is through the stomach, and this casserole delivers warmth and satisfaction in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Italian Chicken Casserole

This casserole checks all the right boxes: it’s hearty, flavorful, and wonderfully easy. Using simple pantry ingredients, you can create a filling meal that tastes like it took far more effort than it actually did.

Cooking at home also means saving money while enjoying restaurant-quality comfort food. The juicy chicken, tender pasta, and cheesy topping create a perfect balance of textures, making this dish a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. If you love classic baked pasta dishes, this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.

How to Make Italian Chicken Casserole

Quick Overview

With just 15 minutes of prep time and about 45–50 minutes in the oven, this Italian Chicken Casserole comes together effortlessly. It’s ideal for weeknights, meal prep, or casual gatherings when you want something comforting and reliable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (halal)

• 2 cups penne pasta, cooked

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained

• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables, thawed

• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

• ½ cup Italian dressing (halal)

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.

2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, pasta, diced tomatoes, vegetables, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian dressing, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

3. Stir in half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.

4. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.

5. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

6. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.

7. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.

8. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Tips for the Best Italian Chicken Casserole

• Use pre-cooked chicken to save time—rotisserie-style halal chicken works well

• Make it homemade: If needed, replace Italian dressing with olive oil, vinegar, and Italian herbs

• Avoid dryness by covering the casserole during the first baking phase

• Customize it with mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra veggies

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. This casserole also freezes beautifully for up to 2–3 months.

To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, covered with foil. Individual portions can be reheated in the microwave—just cover to keep the casserole moist.

Italian Chicken Casserole

A warm and cheesy Italian Chicken Casserole that combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and gooey mozzarella in a comforting dish, perfect for family gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 400

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (preferably halal)
• 2 cups penne pasta Cooked
• 14.5 oz diced tomatoes, canned, drained
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables, thawed (like peas and carrots)
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded For topping
• 1/2 cup Italian dressing (halal)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked penne pasta, diced tomatoes, thawed vegetables, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian dressing. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.
3. Add half of the mozzarella cheese to the mixture and stir to combine.
4. Transfer the chicken mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
5. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
6. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.

Baking

1. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes.
2. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
3. Once done, remove from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 2-3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes covered with foil, or use the microwave for individual servings.