Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Penne Casserole

You've stumbled upon a culinary gem today, dear chef. Picture this: tender diced chicken breast, enveloped in a velvety blanket of mushroom soup, mingling effortlessly with al dente penne pasta. Oh, the symphony of flavors that awaits you!
Ingredients:
- 16 oz diced chicken breast
- 10 oz penne pasta
- 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large non-stick skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken breast and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook penne pasta in a 6 quart pasta pot according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup and chicken broth until smooth and well combined.
- In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the cooked penne pasta evenly on the bottom.
- Spread half of the cooked chicken over the pasta layer.
- Pour half of the mushroom soup mixture over the chicken and pasta, ensuring even coverage.
- Sprinkle half of the Parmesan and mozzarella cheese over the soup layer.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining penne pasta, chicken, mushroom soup mixture, and cheeses.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the foil and broil for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese is golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Serve this delectable casserole alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette, or perhaps some buttery garlic bread for a truly indulgent experience.
Imagine the joy on your family's faces as they gather around the table, eagerly anticipating the first bite of this creamy chicken and mushroom penne casserole. It's moments like these that make cooking truly worthwhile. Bon appétit!