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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. All you need are chicken, zucchini, and a few more easy-to-find ingredients.

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

Ingredients

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

  • Chicken
  • Zucchini
  • Penne
  • Italian red sauce
  • Italian seasoning
  • Chopped onions
  • Diced peppers
  • Cheese
Italian chicken zucchini casserole on a plate

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.

Box of penne and jar of red sauce

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.

Bowl of cut chicken

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.

Directions

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.

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

If you are vegan or dairy free, feel free to 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.

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.

pan and plate of casserole

More Delicious One-Pan 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 favorite one-pan recipes:

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!

Mexican Chicken Rice Casserole – This is a recipe for two, but it’s easy to make more. Simply double or triple the ingredients. Just make sure you increase the size of the baking dish.

Burrito Casserole – Here is another south-of-the-border recipe that is sure to please the family. All you need are some frozen burritos and a few other ingredients to make this delicious dish!

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?

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10 Comments

    1. It really is easy, and it’s super delicious! My picky-eater husband loves it! Thanks for pinning!

  1. 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

  2. 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

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

  4. 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!

    1. 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.

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