Albert Lea Estate Comfort Casserole

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · 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.

★ 3.3 (11 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 45 min Serves 6 American cuisine 620 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

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.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

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.

What others are saying

Related recipes