Air Fryer Homestyle Chicken Penne Casserole
Craving comfort food without turning on the oven? This Air Fryer Homestyle Chicken Penne Casserole is rich, creamy, cheesy, and finished with a golden breadcrumb topping. Perfect for busy weeknights, this hearty casserole combines tender chicken, pasta, and a velvety sauce—all baked to perfection in the air fryer.
Servings: 6 generous heartland portions
Ingredients
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12 ounces penne pasta
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2 cups cooked chicken, diced
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1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
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1 cup sour cream
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1/2 cup milk
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon dried parsley
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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1/2 cup breadcrumbs
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2 tablespoons butter, melted
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente (slightly firm). Drain well and set aside.
Step 2: Mix the Casserole Base
In the same pot, combine:
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Cooked pasta
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Diced chicken
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Cream of chicken soup
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Sour cream
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Milk
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Garlic powder
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Onion powder
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Dried parsley
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Salt and pepper to taste
Stir until everything is coated in the creamy sauce.
Step 3: Layer in an Air Fryer-Safe Dish
Choose a dish that fits into your air fryer basket (round or rectangular).
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Spread half of the pasta mixture into the dish.
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Sprinkle with 1 cup cheddar cheese.
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Add the rest of the pasta mixture and top with the remaining 1 cup cheese.
Step 4: Prepare the Topping
In a small bowl, mix:
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Breadcrumbs
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Melted butter
Sprinkle evenly over the top for a crispy, golden crust.
Step 5: Air Fry the Casserole
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Preheat the air fryer to 320°F (160°C).
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Place the dish inside and cook for 15–20 minutes, covered with foil (to heat through without over-browning).
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Remove foil and air fry for another 5–7 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together.
Variations & Tips
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Veggie Boost: Add peas, mushrooms, or broccoli for extra nutrition.
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Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
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Shortcut Option: Use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience.
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Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap regular penne for gluten-free pasta and use GF breadcrumbs.
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Freezer Friendly: Assemble the casserole ahead, freeze unbaked, then air fry when needed (add 5–7 minutes cooking time if cooking from frozen).
Why Make This in the Air Fryer?
Faster than the oven – no long preheating times.
Energy-efficient – heats just the casserole, not the whole kitchen.
Perfectly golden topping – breadcrumbs crisp up beautifully.
Small-batch friendly – great for families or meal prep portions.
This Air Fryer Homestyle Chicken Penne Casserole is a modern twist on a classic comfort dish. It’s creamy, cheesy, and crispy on top—the ultimate crowd-pleaser!