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Italian Chicken Casserole with Zucchini

Italian chicken casserole with zucchini is a delicious family dinner that sounds a lot more complicated than it actually is. In fact, this casserole is super easy to make for any size crowd.

Italian chicken zucchini penne casserole in a pan and on a plate

As is the case with most of my recipes, there is a little wiggle room with the ingredients.

If you don’t want to include the meat, you can make a delicious Italian zucchini casserole by replacing the chicken with even more zucchini.

Once you make a dish, it becomes your recipe. And that’s how so many great new recipes are created.

Flavorful Chicken Casserole with Zucchini

Your family will love the aroma as it cooks. When you call them to dinner, you won’t have to wait long for them to sit down.

Whether you’re cooking dinner for your family or bringing it to a potluck, it’s sure to quickly disappear. For that reason, make sure you have enough for everyone to have seconds.

My family loves chicken casseroles of all types. Adding zucchini delivers even more flavor and nutrition, so you can feel good about what you’re serving your family.

You can use fresh, rotisserie, or canned chicken for this recipe. This is, without a doubt, one of our favorite dishes to make with any kind of chicken.

Sometimes I fall back on one of my go-to chicken recipes when I have leftover chicken. But this time, we wanted something different.

Since the Costco rotisserie chickens are so large, I can get several meals out of one of them for my husband and me.

That’s why I’m always on the lookout for a new dish to prepare.

Italian chicken zucchini casserole on a plate

I just happened to have some leftover zucchini, some shredded cheese, and half a box of penne pasta on hand.

All I needed was some Italian sauce or the ingredients to make it.

At first, I thought I’d have to go to the store and buy some. But I discovered a jar of Italian sauce in the back of my pantry.

When I purchase a rotisserie chicken, I often plan several meals in advance. Another of our favorites is this chicken casserole with rice.

We also enjoy making chicken salad sandwiches. Or you can use the same recipe and put the chicken salad on a bed of lettuce.

The list of what you can do with these chickens is unlimited. In fact, almost anything you can cook with ground beef can be cooked with chicken instead.

Italian Chicken Zucchini Casserole Ingredients

Based on the name of this dish, you’ve probably figured out some of the ingredients you’ll need.

Box of penne and jar of red sauce

Ingredients you’ll need for this recipe:

  • Chicken
  • Zucchini
  • Penne
  • Italian red sauce
  • Italian seasoning
  • Chopped onions
  • Diced peppers
  • Cheese

Since I was in a hurry, I used jarred sauce. However, if you have time, use this delicious homemade marinara. It’s easy, but it does take a few minutes.

Bowl of cut chicken

For exact measurements of each ingredient and full directions, go to the recipe card at the bottom of the page. You can even print out the card by using the “print” button.

Here are some optional ingredients you can add:

  • Minced garlic
  • Other chopped vegetables such as eggplant, broccoli, kale, cabbage or Brussels sprouts
  • Mushrooms
  • Black olives

If there’s something else you’d like to add, go ahead and try it. You might discover that you’re really good at taking a tried-and-true recipe and making it even better.

How to Make This Italian Chicken Casserole with Zucchini

Sauté the zucchini until it is fork tender. Don’t cook it too long, or it’ll become too soft, and the texture isn’t as appetizing.

This is when I add the Italian seasoning.

Cut zucchini in a pan

Add the onions and peppers. Sauté those until the onions are translucent.

Zucchini, onions, and peppers in a pan

Mix in the chopped chicken. You can also add other meat or meat substitutes if you prefer.

Chicken, zucchini, and onions in a pan

Pour the entire jar of Italian sauce over the mixture and stir it well. At this time, turn down the heat so it can simmer on low while you prepare the penne.

Italian sauce, zucchini, chicken, peppers, and onions in a pan

After you cook the penne according to the directions on the package, pour it into a casserole dish. Pour the chicken and zucchini mixture over it.

Top it with cheese and bake it until the cheese melts and begins to turn a light golden brown.

Casserole in a pan before it's cooked

Serve it by itself or with a side salad and crusty bread. One of our favorite things to eat with this dish is a Greek olive and feta salad.

Healthy One-Dish Meal with Chicken

I love cooking one-dish meals that provide something from every food group, which is why I enjoy casseroles so much.

Not only are they easier to cook, but also they’re easier to clean up afterward.

Casserole in a pan beside a red dish towel

This meal has chicken for the protein, zucchini for the vegetable, cheese for the dairy, and penne for the grain.

If you are vegan or dairy free, you can substitute other ingredients for the chicken and cheese.

Or if you don’t have chicken, you can also make it with shredded or ground beef or pork.

Regular or Gluten-Free Italian Chicken Zucchini Casserole

Since I have to follow a gluten-free diet, I use gluten-free pasta. Even though my husband can have the regular pasta, he says he can’t tell the difference.

I used to prepare separate dishes, but that became time-consuming. So now I make one version, and he’s fine with it. In fact, he got seconds.

Health Benefits of Zucchini

I enjoy adding zucchini to a lot of my one-dish meals because it’s so nutritious.

Here are some of the health benefits you’ll find in this delicious vegetable:

Zucchini contains vitamin C, beta-carotene, manganese, and lutein that all promote good vision.

It also has quite a bit of potassium, riboflavin, and other essential nutrients for good health.

It’s loaded with antioxidants that help slow down many of the effects of aging.

Zucchini is an excellent source of fiber, and it contains quite a bit of water. For this reason, it is excellent to include in a weight management program.

2 full-size zucchinis

Another thing I like about zucchini is that it is super easy to grow in your backyard. I don’t currently have a vegetable garden, but when I did, I always had zucchini.

Cooking with Penne Pasta

I enjoy using penne pasta because the sauce gets inside the tubes to provide an even stronger explosion of flavor.

And if you’ve ever tasted any of the other recipes I’ve posted, such as the cheesy zucchini ham bake or the layered Mexican salad with black beans, you know I love a lot of flavor.

pan and plate of casserole

For Dessert

If you’re looking for a fun, simple, and delicious dessert, try the pineapple upside down cake that you can actually make in your rice cooker.

Another dessert you might enjoy is the mug cake so everyone in the family can have their flavor.

We also enjoy this yummy no-bake pineapple pie. It’s light and has just the right blend of sweet and tart flavors.

More Delicious Recipes

I’m always testing new recipes, working on improvements, and developing dishes that I think would be good. I started cooking when I was about 10 years old, which means I’ve been cooking for 55+ years.

Here are some of our most recent favorites:

Pork Chop Casserole with Tomato Gravy – This is an old family favorite. In fact, my dad taught me how to make tomato gravy to bring it all together. I’ve made a couple of changes with this, including a way to make it gluten-free. And the flavor is just as good as the original way!

Smothered Potatoes and Sausage – This is a one-pan meal that never disappoints. Try it and watch your family gobble it right up.

How to Cook Frozen Tilapia – Do you ever forget to thaw something for dinner? I decided to pull out some frozen tilapia and pop it into my air fryer. It turned out so delicious!

Mini Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie – I had to include a dessert on this list. In my mind, there’s no better way to end a meal than with a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie!

2-Ingredient Chocolate Cakes – Now that I’m cooking for just my husband and me, I’m always on the lookout for recipes that make smaller amounts. This one delivers the most delicious personal cakes! And you bake them in cute little ramekins. So yum!

Yield: 8 servings

Italian Chicken Zucchini Casserole

Italian chicken zucchini penne casserole

This Italian chicken zucchini casserole is a delicious and nutritious family dinner everyone will love.

Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of chopped cooked chicken
  • 2 medium zucchinis cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1 jar of red Italian sauce
  • 1/2 cup of chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup of diced bell pepper
  • 3 cups of penne pasta
  • 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray medium casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. Sauté the zucchini until fork tender. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the zucchini.
  3. Add the onions and bell pepper and sauté until the onions are translucent.
  4. Add the chicken and Italian sauce. Stir well and simmer.
  5. While the sauce is simmering, boil the penne until it is al dente.
  6. Drain the penne and pour it into the casserole dish.
  7. Pour the sauce over the penne until it is covered.
  8. Sprinkle both of the cheeses over the top.
  9. Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until the mixture bubbles and the cheese is golden.

Serve with a side salad and Italian bread.

Nutrition Information

Yield

8

Serving Size

1

Amount Per Serving Calories 172Total Fat 6gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 3gCholesterol 23mgSodium 208mgCarbohydrates 20gFiber 2gSugar 3gProtein 11g

The nutrition information is a product of online calculators. I try to provide true and accurate information, but these numbers are estimates.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

Please feel free to share!

Taylor Rowden

Thursday 2nd of February 2023

This was a great recipe! I did ground Turkey instead of chicken cause it was cheaper 🤣 but I still followed the recipe just like it said. I also added some rosemary, basil, and garlic powder to the seasonings! Thank you!

southernhomeexpress

Thursday 2nd of February 2023

Hi Taylor. Thank you so much for sharing! I love the fact that you tweaked the recipe to make it work for you. And I'm always in favor of finding less expensive ingredients.

Helen at the Lazy Gastronome

Friday 3rd of April 2020

This looks so easy to make and it sounds delicious! Thanks for sharing at the What's for Dinner party - stay safe and healthy.

Barbara Harriman

Tuesday 31st of March 2020

I would love to double the recipe and freeze half. Is this a recipe that would work for? Thanks!

southernhomeexpress

Tuesday 31st of March 2020

Hi Barbara. Yes, you absolutely can do that!

Miz Helen

Wednesday 26th of June 2019

Congratulations! Your post is featured on our Top Ten this week at Full Plate Thursday! Thanks so much for sharing it with us, we have pinned it to our special features board. Hope you have a great day and come back real soon! Miz Helen

southernhomeexpress

Wednesday 26th of June 2019

Thank you so much, Miz Helen! It's such an honored to be featured on your site!

Miz Helen

Tuesday 25th of June 2019

This will be a great recipe for my garden Zucchini! Hope you are having a fantastic week and thanks so much for sharing your awesome post with us at Full Plate Thursday! Miz Helen

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