Hearty Savory Baked Herb Chicken Casserole Recipe (Print Version)

Discover my homestyle Savory Baked Herb Chicken Casserole recipe. Tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and creamy sauce make for a comforting, easy family meal.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Contains Dairy, Contains Gluten

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
02 - 8 oz penne pasta, cooked al dente
03 - 2 cups unsalted chicken broth

→ Creamy Goodness

04 - 4 oz cream cheese, softened
05 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for topping)

→ Flavor Boosters

06 - 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
07 - 1 small yellow onion, diced
08 - 2 tsp dried Italian herb blend
09 - 1 tbsp olive oil
10 - Salt & black pepper, to taste

→ Finishing Touches

11 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, let's get organized! Dice your chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch chunks. Mince that garlic, dice the onion, and get your pasta cooking according to package directions. You want it al dente, maybe even slightly undercooked, since it'll finish baking in the oven. I always forget to salt the pasta water, but please, don't be like me! A good pinch of salt makes all the difference, honestly.
02 - Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and cook until it's softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for just another minute until fragrant – don't let it burn, that's a mistake I've made too many times! Next, add your chicken pieces and cook until they're lightly browned on all sides. They don't need to be cooked through, just get some nice color on them.
03 - Now for the good stuff! Sprinkle the Italian herb blend over the chicken and onions, stirring it in for about 30 seconds until it smells amazing – oh, that aroma! Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat, then stir in the softened cream cheese until it's completely melted and the sauce is smooth. This is where the magic happens, giving our Savory Baked Herb Chicken Casserole its signature richness. Season with salt and pepper to taste; remember, you can always add more, but you can't take it away!
04 - Stir in the cooked penne pasta and about half of the grated Parmesan cheese into the creamy sauce with the chicken. Make sure everything is well coated – this step is so satisfying! If you're not using an oven-safe skillet, transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the top. Pop it into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is golden brown and irresistible.
05 - Once it's out of the oven, let the Savory Baked Herb Chicken Casserole rest for about 5-10 minutes. This little break allows the sauce to thicken up perfectly and prevents you from burning your tongue, which I've done more times than I care to admit! While it's resting, chop up that fresh parsley. This final touch adds a lovely burst of freshness and makes the dish look restaurant-worthy, even if your kitchen is still a little chaotic from cooking.
06 - Finally, it's time to dig in! Serve this comforting Savory Baked Herb Chicken Casserole warm, perhaps with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for soaking up all that amazing sauce. The chicken should be tender, the pasta perfectly coated, and the herbs fragrant. It’s a dish that just makes you want to gather around the table and enjoy good company. What a treat!

# Notes:

01 - Always taste the sauce before adding pasta and chicken to adjust seasoning; it's easier then!
02 - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, reheating gently in the oven for best texture.
03 - No penne? Rotini or cavatappi work, but penne is my favorite for holding the sauce.
04 - Serve with crusty garlic bread and a simple green salad for a complete, comforting meal.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large oven-safe skillet or 9x13 inch baking dish
02 - large pot
03 - cutting board
04 - knife
05 - whisk

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 550-650
Total Fat: 30-40g
Total Carbohydrate: 40-50g
Protein: 35-45g

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