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Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 17 reviews

This Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that combines tender seasoned chicken, rigatoni pasta, marinara sauce, and a cheesy breadcrumb topping. It’s an easy one-dish meal that requires minimal prep and baking time, delivering a deliciously golden, bubbly casserole perfect for family dinners or weekend gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

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 Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with oil to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
  2. Season Chicken: Place the diced chicken breasts in a bowl. Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and oregano. Toss well to evenly coat the chicken pieces. Let it sit for 5 minutes to marinate slightly and enhance flavor.
  3. Assemble Ingredients: In the prepared baking dish, combine uncooked rigatoni pasta, marinara sauce, water, the seasoned raw chicken, salt, and black pepper. Mix all ingredients thoroughly inside the dish to distribute evenly.
  4. Cover and Bake First Stage: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and prevent water evaporation. Place it in the preheated oven and bake covered for 30 minutes. This allows the chicken to cook through and pasta to start softening.
  5. Stir After Baking: Remove the casserole from the oven and carefully take off the foil. Give the mixture a good stir. At this point, there will still be liquid remaining and the pasta won’t be fully cooked; this is expected.
  6. Add Cheese and Breadcrumb Topping: Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella, Panko breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese over the casserole’s surface.
  7. Bake Second Stage: Return the dish uncovered to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese melts and turns golden brown, and the pasta is tender.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove from oven and garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves. Serve warm and enjoy this rich, flavorful meal.

Notes

  • You can substitute rigatoni with other pasta shapes like penne or ziti if desired.
  • For a spicier twist, add red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix or marinara sauce.
  • If you prefer a lower sodium dish, use a low-sodium marinara sauce and reduce added salt accordingly.
  • Panko breadcrumbs add crunchiness; you can toast them lightly before topping for extra texture.
  • Make sure the chicken is cut into uniform bite-size pieces to ensure even cooking.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Parmesan, casserole, baked pasta, easy dinner, Italian comfort food, cheesy chicken dish

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