A rich, creamy chicken and pasta casserole topped with a golden, buttery Parmesan-style crumb topping. Comforting, hearty, and perfect for a cozy family dinner or make-ahead meal.

Prep time: 20 minutes
Bake time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: ~50 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Difficulty: Easy

Note: The image doesn’t include a written ingredient list, so this is a recipe recreation based on the dish shown.

🛒 Ingredients

For the creamy chicken pasta

12 oz (340 g) penne or ziti
3 cups cooked shredded chicken
2 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (10.5 oz / 298 g) cream of chicken soup
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
1 cup shredded mozzarella
½ cup grated Parmesan
½ tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt, or to taste
½ cup diced onion, optional
½ cup sliced mushrooms, optional

For the crispy topping

1 cup panko breadcrumbs
3 tbsp melted butter
¼ cup grated Parmesan
½ tsp garlic powder
Pinch of salt
Pinch of black pepper

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the pasta 1–2 minutes less than the package directions.
Drain well.

Don’t overcook the pasta because it will continue cooking in the oven.

2. Prepare the creamy sauce

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add onion, if using, and cook for 2–3 minutes.
Add garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
Stir in cream of chicken soup, heavy cream, and chicken broth.
Add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
Stir until smooth and heated through.
Add mozzarella and Parmesan.
Stir until the cheese melts into the sauce.

3. Combine

Add the cooked pasta and shredded chicken to the sauce.

Gently stir until everything is evenly coated.

If the mixture seems excessively thick, add another splash of chicken broth.

4. Prepare the topping

In a bowl, combine:

Panko breadcrumbs
Melted butter
Parmesan
Garlic powder
Salt
Pepper

Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.

5. Assemble

Transfer the creamy chicken pasta into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Spread evenly.

Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture generously over the top.

6. Bake

Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until:

The edges are bubbling
The center is hot
The topping is golden brown and crisp

For an extra-golden topping, place under the broiler for 1–2 minutes at the end. Watch it closely.

7. Rest and serve

Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

This allows the creamy sauce to thicken slightly and makes serving easier.

🌰 Nut & Allergy Information

Does this recipe contain nuts?

No nuts are required.

However, check packaged breadcrumbs, cream soup, cheese, and seasonings for facility/cross-contact warnings if cooking for someone with a severe nut allergy.

Can I make it nut-free?

Yes. The recipe is naturally nut-free as written.

Gluten

Regular pasta, cream soup, and panko breadcrumbs contain or may contain wheat.

For a gluten-free version, use:

Gluten-free pasta
Gluten-free cream of chicken soup
Gluten-free panko

Dairy

This recipe contains:

Butter
Heavy cream
Mozzarella
Parmesan

For dairy-free preparation, use suitable plant-based substitutes.

Other common allergens

The cream of chicken soup may contain milk, wheat, soy, or other allergens, depending on the brand. Check the label carefully.

❓ Q&A

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe and makes preparation much faster.

Can I use leftover chicken?

Absolutely. Shredded roasted, baked, or grilled chicken all work well.

Can I use a different pasta?

Yes. Try:

Penne
Ziti
Rigatoni
Rotini
Bow ties
Shells

Choose a shape that holds plenty of creamy sauce.

Can I make this without cream of chicken soup?

Yes. Make a quick homemade sauce using butter, flour, chicken broth, and milk or cream.

Can I add vegetables?

Definitely. Good options include:

Broccoli
Spinach
Peas
Mushrooms
Bell peppers
Chopped asparagus

Cook watery vegetables first so they don’t make the casserole runny.

Why is my casserole dry?

The pasta may have absorbed too much sauce. Make sure the pasta isn’t overcooked before baking and don’t skimp on the sauce.

You can also add a little extra chicken broth or cream before baking.

Why is my topping not crispy?

Make sure the breadcrumbs are coated with melted butter and bake uncovered. A brief broil at the end will make them especially golden and crunchy.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

If baking directly from the refrigerator, add approximately 10–15 minutes to the baking time.

Can I freeze it?

Yes. Assemble without baking, cover very tightly, and freeze for up to 2–3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

For the best crispy topping, you can prepare and add the breadcrumb mixture shortly before baking.

How long do leftovers last?

Store refrigerated in an airtight container for 3–4 days.

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat larger amounts covered in the oven.

Can I make it spicy?

Yes. Add:

½ tsp red pepper flakes
Diced jalapeño
½ tsp cayenne
A few dashes of hot sauce

Can I make it higher in protein?

Use extra chicken, high-protein pasta, and Greek yogurt in place of part of the heavy cream.

Can I use turkey instead of chicken?

Yes. Cooked shredded turkey works very well, especially with leftover Thanksgiving turkey.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve this creamy chicken pasta bake with:

Green salad
Roasted broccoli
Steamed green beans
Garlic bread
Roasted vegetables

For extra freshness, finish each serving with fresh parsley and a little grated Parmesan.