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Easy No-Boil Chicken Penne photo

No-Boil Chicken Penne

A comforting baked pasta casserole that layers chicken, ricotta, and three cheeses for an easy weeknight meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 jar pasta sauce 26 oz
  • 1.5 cups water
  • 1 container ricotta cheese 15 oz
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded divided
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
  • 3 cups cooked chicken chopped
  • 8 oz penne pasta uncooked
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil chopped

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch Baking Dish
  • Mixing Bowl
  • foil
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pasta sauce, water, ricotta, 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella, chopped cooked chicken, grated Parmesan, and the uncooked penne; stir until evenly mixed.
  3. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer; cover the dish tightly with foil.
  4. Bake covered for 55 minutes, until the pasta is tender when tested with a fork.
  5. Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup shredded mozzarella over the top, and return to the oven; bake uncovered for an additional 5–10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  6. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped fresh basil, and let rest a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
  • Ensure pasta is fully submerged in sauce so it cooks evenly.
  • Allow the casserole to rest 5 minutes before serving to set.