This Chicken Primavera Casserole is a colorful and tasty dish packed with fresh veggies and tender chicken. It’s creamy, cheesy, and perfect for cozy family dinners!
What’s great is how easy it is to make! Just mix everything in one dish and let the oven do the work. I can’t resist seconds when it’s bubbling hot! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend using penne or rigatoni as they hold the sauce well. If you don’t have these on hand, try bowtie or fusilli. Gluten-free pasta also works if you’re avoiding gluten, and it should cook easily with similar timing.
Chicken: Cubed cooked chicken is a great way to use leftovers. If you prefer, you can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or even shredded turkey if you have some from a previous meal.
Vegetables: Zucchini, bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots add color and nutrients. Feel free to swap in your favorites; asparagus, snap peas, or spinach would be delicious too! Frozen veggies can be used as well—just thaw and drain them first.
Heavy Cream: This gives a rich, creamy texture. For a lighter option, use half-and-half or milk, but expect a slightly thinner sauce. If you’re dairy-free, try coconut cream or cashew cream for a similar effect!
Cheese: Mozzarella brings the gooey factor while Parmesan adds sharpness. You can mix it up with cheddar or gouda if you prefer, and for a dairy-free option, there are great vegan cheeses available.
How Do I Get My Vegetables Perfectly Cooked?
Sautéing the vegetables correctly is key to keeping them vibrant and crunchy. Start by heating olive oil in the skillet before adding minced garlic, which should cook for about a minute until fragrant. After this, toss in your veggies but keep an eye on the timing.
- Sauté the veggies for 5-7 minutes; they should be tender but not mushy.
- Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking, and don’t forget you can adjust the heat if they start browning too quickly!
- These tender-crisp veggies will help make your casserole both visually appealing and flavorful!
How to Make Chicken Primavera Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, cubed
- 1 cup zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup bell peppers (red and yellow), diced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Chicken Primavera Casserole takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll spend around 45 minutes creating this delicious and colorful dish that’s perfect for any family dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it will be hot and ready for your casserole once you assemble all the ingredients.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute until it smells amazing. Then, toss in the sliced zucchini, diced bell peppers, broccoli florets, and sliced carrots. Sauté these veggies for about 5-7 minutes until they’re tender but still a little crisp. Keep stirring occasionally so they cook evenly!
3. Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cubed chicken, and the sautéed vegetables. Pour in the heavy cream, and add 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, the dried Italian herbs, and some salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until it’s well coated and mixed nicely.
4. Transfer and Sprinkle:
Spray or grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and then pour the mixture into it. Spread it out evenly. Now, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top for an extra cheesy finish!
5. Bake the Casserole:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. It should look so inviting!
6. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. If you like, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pretty touch. Serve warm, and enjoy your delicious Chicken Primavera Casserole with family and friends!
Can I Use Other Vegetables in This Casserole?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute or add your favorite vegetables like asparagus, spinach, or peas. Just remember to adjust cooking times slightly if the new vegetables require different levels of tenderness.
How Can I Make This Recipe Lighter?
You can lighten this casserole by using whole wheat pasta and low-fat versions of the cream and cheese. Additionally, you might want to reduce the amount of cheese used or skip the topping entirely for a healthier alternative.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave or oven until heated through. If it seems a bit dry, add a splash of milk or cream before reheating!
Can I Freeze This Casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well! Just make sure to let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time or thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
