Looking for a delightful family dinner that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying? Look no further than this Chicken Parmesan Casserole recipe! With tender chicken, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and layers of gooey cheese and marinara sauce, this dish is sure to become a weeknight favorite in your household.
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces penne pasta, cooked al dente
- 24 ounce jar marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1? cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- ? cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for topping
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Set it aside for later use.
- Begin by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until it reaches al dente perfection.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
- Pour ¾ of the jar of marinara sauce over the pasta. Add in the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce and seasonings.
- Transfer the saucy pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Layer 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the pasta, ensuring it covers the surface evenly.
- Next, arrange the cubed chicken pieces over the mozzarella cheese layer, spreading them out evenly across the dish.
- Cover the chicken with the remaining marinara sauce, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the chicken, creating a cheesy blanket.
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink inside.
- Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and garnish it with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor.
- Serve the Chicken Parmesan Casserole warm and enjoy the hearty goodness with your loved ones!
Tips:
- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
- For a crispier topping, broil the casserole for a few minutes at the end of the baking time until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through before serving.
Conclusion:
This Chicken Parmesan Casserole recipe is a surefire way to bring smiles to the dinner table. With its simple preparation and delicious flavors, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a comforting meal that the whole family will love. Give it a try and savor the delightful combination of tender chicken, cheesy goodness, and aromatic marinara sauce!
- Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While the recipe suggests using penne pasta, you can definitely switch it up with other pasta shapes such as rigatoni, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions to ensure your pasta is cooked al dente before assembling the casserole. - Is there a substitute for chicken breasts if I prefer a different protein?
Certainly! If you’re not a fan of chicken or would like to explore other protein options, you can easily swap the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs, turkey breast, or even lean ground turkey or beef. Just ensure that whatever protein you choose is cooked thoroughly before adding it to the casserole. - Can I make this recipe ahead of time and bake it later?
Absolutely! This Chicken Parmesan Casserole can be assembled ahead of time, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights or entertaining guests. Simply follow the recipe instructions up until the point of baking, cover the assembled casserole tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. When you’re ready to enjoy, remove the casserole from the refrigerator, allow it to come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes, then bake it according to the recipe instructions. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since the casserole will be starting from a cooler temperature. - Can I freeze leftovers of this Chicken Parmesan Casserole?
Absolutely! This casserole is freezer-friendly, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or saving leftovers for later. Once the casserole has cooled completely, you can portion it out into individual servings or store it as a whole in an airtight container or freezer-safe dish. Be sure to label the container with the date and contents for easy reference. When you’re ready to enjoy the frozen casserole, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it in the oven or microwave until heated through. It’s a convenient way to have a delicious homemade meal on hand whenever you need it!