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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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