Before anything else, cook your chicken by simmering it in water until no longer pink inside. This ensures juicy, tender pieces that won’t dry out in the casserole. Cut into bite‑sized cubes once cooled.
While the chicken cooks, boil your penne pasta in lightly salted water until it’s tender yet firm (al dente). Drain well — you don’t want soggy noodles soaking up too much sauce later.
In a large bowl, toss together cooked pasta, chicken cubes, Alfredo sauce, half the mozzarella, milk, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir gently until all pieces are coated.
Pour the mixture into your casserole dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and the Cheddar cheese on top for that irresistible cheesy crust.
Slide the casserole into the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly — usually about 25 minutes. Let it cool slightly before serving so it sets up beautifully.