Grandma's One-Pot Pasta Casserole

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

A comforting, creamy pasta bake with tender chicken and vegetables, made in a single pot for effortless weeknight dinners. This one-pot recipe, ready in about 40 minutes, pairs penne pasta, chicken breast strips, 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: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 6 American Comfort Food cuisine 620 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add 12 oz penne pasta, and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente; drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, heat 1/4 cup water over medium-high heat, add 1 lb chicken breast strips, and cook for 6-7 minutes until no longer pink, then set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables, 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder to the pot; simmer for 3 minutes until vegetables are tender.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 cup heavy cream, then add cooked penne and 1 lb cooked chicken strips; mix until well combined and heated through, about 2 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish, top with 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grandma's One-Pot Pasta Casserole take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Grandma's One-Pot Pasta 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 Grandma's One-Pot Pasta 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 Grandma's One-Pot Pasta 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 Grandma's One-Pot Pasta Casserole?

American Comfort Food one pot 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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