Samantha Nicole Italian Chicken Casserole is a fantastic twist on the classic chicken casserole, infused with incredible Mediterranean flavors! The chicken is crispy and juicy, the pasta is tender and smothered in a rich sauce and sharp cheese, and every bite is herbaceous and hearty. The Italian Chicken Casserole is a creamy casserole that will have you craving it both before and after eating it!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces bowtie, farfalle, or preferred shaped pasta, uncooked
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 pounds chicken breasts, boneless, skinless, and cut in 1/2-inch cubes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup red bell peppers, diced
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup milk or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- 2 tablespoons dry Italian dressing mix
- 3 tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated and divided
Directions
Step 1 –Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Step 2 –Prepare a 2-quart casserole dish (11×7- or 9×9-inch) with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 3 –Cook the pasta according to the package directions to 2-3 minutes shy of al dente.
Step 4 –Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 5 –Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Step 6 –Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 4-5 minutes.
Step 7 –Add the garlic, onion, and bell pepper to the skillet and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.
Step 8 –Add the cream of chicken soup, milk, and chicken stock, whisking until smooth.
Step 9 –Add the cubed cream cheese, stirring until it’s melted and fully combined into the sauce.
Step 10 –Add in the dressing mix and 2 tablespoons of the parmesan cheese, stirring until fully combined.
Step 11 –Add in the partially cooked pasta and toss until well coated and heated through.
Step 12 –Place the chicken/pasta mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
Step 13 –Sprinkle the casserole mixture with the remaining 1 tablespoon of the parmesan cheese.
Step 14 –Bake until the pasta is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling, about 30-40 minutes.
Step 15 –Serve.
