Description
Comfort meets elegance in this chicken parmesan pasta casserole, blending classic Italian-American flavors into one irresistible dish. Rich layers of golden chicken, melted cheese, and hearty pasta promise a satisfying meal that brings family together around the table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces (340 g) penne or rigatoni pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken (grilled, rotisserie, or breaded), diced or shredded
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep and Preheat: Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and lightly coat a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Pasta Foundation: Cook pasta in generously salted water until tender yet firm, then drain and set aside, reserving a small amount of cooking liquid.
- Flavor Fusion: In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine cooked pasta, diced chicken, rich marinara sauce, aromatic Italian seasoning, zesty garlic powder, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese, seasoning with salt and pepper to elevate the taste profile.
- Assembly and Topping: Transfer the vibrant mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring even distribution, then create a crispy crown by blending breadcrumbs with melted butter and additional Parmesan, sprinkling this golden mixture across the surface.
- Bake and Sizzle: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, watching for a bubbling texture and a beautifully bronzed top that signals perfect doneness.
- Finishing Touch: Once removed from the oven, let the casserole rest briefly, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and serve piping hot, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.
Notes
- Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness, ensuring it retains a slight bite when baked in the casserole.
- Use pre-cooked, shredded rotisserie chicken for maximum flavor and convenience, or quickly pan-sear chicken breasts for a fresher taste.
- Toast breadcrumbs briefly before mixing with butter and Parmesan to enhance their crunch and prevent sogginess during baking.
- Replace regular pasta with gluten-free options or use zucchini noodles for a low-carb version, keeping the core flavors intact.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg