Albert Lea Estate Comfort Casserole

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A creamy, cheesy pasta bake layered with tender chicken and vegetables, evoking the warmth of a family kitchen in the Midwest. This american-inspired pasta ready in about 70 minutes pairs penne pasta, boneless chicken breasts, frozen mixed vegetables for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 620 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 45 min Serves 6 American cuisine 620 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook penne pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet, chop into 1/2-inch cubes, and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute until golden. Gradually whisk in 1/2 cup chicken broth and 1 cup heavy cream, then bring to a gentle simmer until thickened, about 3 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Stir in chopped chicken, 10 oz frozen mixed vegetables, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp dried parsley. Cook for 2 minutes until vegetables are heated through.
  5. Step 5: Add cooked penne pasta to the sauce mixture, tossing to coat evenly. Transfer to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, then top with 1.5 cups shredded cheddar and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
  6. Step 6: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown around the edges.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Albert Lea Estate Comfort Casserole take to make?

Total time is about 70 minutes (25 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Albert Lea Estate Comfort Casserole?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep penne pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Albert Lea Estate Comfort Casserole?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Albert Lea Estate Comfort Casserole for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Albert Lea Estate Comfort Casserole?

American pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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