Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a simple family dinner during busy weeknights. Combining classic flavors of chicken Parmesan with the convenience of a casserole, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. With layers of tender chicken, al dente pasta, savory marinara sauce, and gooey cheese, it’s a comforting and hearty meal that everyone will enjoy.
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
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- ⅓ 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.
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until it reaches al dente consistency.
- Drain the cooked pasta and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
- Pour ¾ of the jar of marinara sauce over the cooked pasta. Add Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Transfer the seasoned pasta into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Layer 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the pasta, ensuring even distribution.
- Arrange the cubed chicken pieces on top of the mozzarella cheese layer, spreading them out evenly across the dish.
- Cover the chicken with the remaining marinara sauce from the jar.
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the chicken and sauce layer.
- 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 with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Tips:
- To save time, you can use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts.
- Customize the dish by adding your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or spinach to the casserole layers.
- For a crispy topping, broil the casserole for a few minutes after baking.
- Serve the Chicken Parmesan Casserole with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Conclusion:
Enjoy the delightful flavors and simplicity of this Chicken Parmesan Casserole recipe. With its easy preparation and crowd-pleasing taste, it’s a fantastic choice for busy weeknights when you want to serve a hearty and satisfying meal for the family. Try it out and savor every bite of this comforting dish!
- Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
- Absolutely! While the recipe calls for penne pasta, you can easily substitute it with other pasta shapes such as rigatoni, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just be mindful of adjusting the cooking time according to the pasta you choose to ensure it’s cooked al dente.
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the Chicken Parmesan Casserole ahead of time to save time on busy evenings. You can assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply remove it from the refrigerator, let it sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes to take the chill off, then bake it according to the recipe instructions. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly if the casserole is cold from the refrigerator.
- Can I freeze Chicken Parmesan Casserole?
- Yes, you can freeze Chicken Parmesan Casserole for future meals. After assembling the casserole, cover it tightly with foil and freeze it before baking. It’s recommended to use a freezer-safe baking dish for this purpose. The casserole can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator, then bake it according to the recipe instructions. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through completely.
- What are some possible variations or additions to this recipe?
- This Chicken Parmesan Casserole recipe is versatile and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few ideas for variations and additions:
- Add sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or spinach to the casserole layers for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Incorporate cooked Italian sausage or ground beef along with the chicken for a heartier dish.
- Experiment with different types of cheese such as provolone, fontina, or asiago for a unique flavor profile.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter over the top of the casserole before baking for a crunchy topping.
- Garnish the finished casserole with chopped fresh parsley or oregano for added freshness and color.