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Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 24 reviews

This Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a delicious, easy-to-make baked dish combining diced chicken breasts, rigatoni pasta, marinara sauce, and a blend of Italian seasonings, topped with a generous layer of mozzarella, panko breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a hearty family dinner, this casserole offers classic Italian flavors in a convenient one-dish meal.

Ingredients

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Chicken and Seasoning

  • 1 ½ lb chicken breasts (skinless and boneless, diced into bite-size cubes)
  • 4 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp oregano

Pasta and Sauce

  • 16 oz rigatoni pasta (uncooked)
  • 24 oz jar marinara sauce
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Toppings

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Season the Chicken: Place the diced chicken breasts in a bowl and add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and oregano. Toss thoroughly to coat the chicken and let it marinate for 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  3. Combine Ingredients in Casserole: In the prepared baking dish, add the uncooked rigatoni pasta, marinara sauce, water, seasoned raw chicken, salt, and black pepper.
  4. Mix Well: Stir all the ingredients together inside the baking dish until evenly combined.
  5. Bake Covered: Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
  6. Stir and Prepare for Topping: Carefully remove the casserole from the oven and take off the foil. Stir the contents; there will still be liquid present, and the pasta will be partially cooked, which is expected.
  7. Add Cheese and Breadcrumb Topping: Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella, panko breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole.
  8. Bake Uncovered: Return the casserole to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly and the pasta is fully tender.
  9. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped basil. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • You can substitute rigatoni with penne or ziti if preferred.
  • For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the chicken seasoning.
  • Make sure to cover the casserole tightly with foil to keep moisture in during the initial baking phase.
  • Rest the casserole for 5 minutes after baking to let it set and cool slightly for easier serving.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Parmesan, Casserole, Baked Pasta, Italian Dinner, Easy Chicken Recipe, Family Meal

Find it online: https://cheflenacooks.com/chicken-parmesan-casserole-recipe-2/