Nothing says comfort food like a bubbling hot casserole fresh from the oven! Imagine the cheesy, golden top and the rich, comforting flavors of a classic Chicken Parmesan, combined with hearty pasta – that’s exactly what this Chicken Parmesan Casserole delivers. It’s the ultimate mashup of two beloved dishes, designed to make your family meals a breeze while packing a punch of flavor in every bite. Whether you’re prepping for a cozy family dinner or an effortless potluck dish, this recipe will become your go-to for cheesy, saucy perfection
Ingredients:
- Rigatoni or Penne Pasta – ¾ lb (holds sauce well)
- Marinara Sauce – 32 oz (up to 48 oz if you like it extra saucy)
- Mozzarella Cheese – 3 cups, shredded (divided)
- Parmesan Cheese – ⅓ cup, grated (divided)
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts – 2 small
- All-Purpose Flour – ¾ cup
- Seasoned Salt – 2 tsp
- Black Pepper – ¼ tsp
- Eggs – 2 large, beaten
- Italian Breadcrumbs – 1½ cups
- Vegetable Oil – ¾ cup
- Butter – 2 tbsp
- Fresh Parsley – for garnish
How to Make It:
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Begin by cooking the rigatoni, stopping just one minute shy of al dente as directed on the package. Once drained, combine the pasta with marinara sauce, 2 tablespoons of Parmesan, and 1 cup of mozzarella, tossing it all together.
Step 2: Bread and Fry the Chicken
Start by slicing the chicken breasts into ½-inch thick strips. Set up a dredging station with three dishes: one for flour, seasoned salt, and pepper; another for beaten eggs; and the last for Italian breadcrumbs. Coat the chicken strips by dredging them in flour, dipping in egg, and finishing with breadcrumbs. Heat vegetable oil and butter over medium-high heat in a skillet, then fry the chicken strips for about 4 minutes per side until golden brown. Once cooked, drain them on paper towels and slice into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish. Begin layering by spreading half of the pasta mixture into the dish, followed by half of the fried chicken pieces. Top with 1 cup of mozzarella and 2 tablespoons of Parmesan. Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients, ensuring the final layer has a generous amount of cheese.
Step 4: Bake
Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 25 minutes or until bubbly. If you prefer a crispier top, increase the heat to 425°F during the final 5 minutes. Before serving, garnish with fresh parsley for added color and flavor.
Tips for Success:
- Shortcuts for Prep: Skip breading the chicken by using frozen chicken tenders or rotisserie chicken. For a crunchy topping, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top before baking.
- Make-Ahead: You can assemble this dish up to 2 days in advance. Just bring it to room temperature before baking.
- Serving Suggestion: Garlic bread makes the perfect companion to soak up all that cheesy goodness!
FAQ:
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can fully assemble the casserole up to two days ahead. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
2. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
3. Can I customize the recipe?
Absolutely! You can swap rigatoni for your favorite pasta shape or use a different marinara sauce. Add veggies like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
4. Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, Chicken Parmesan Casserole freezes well. Freeze before baking, then thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
Conclusion:
Chicken Parmesan Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mashup, blending the best of both worlds: cheesy baked pasta and crispy breaded chicken. Perfect for feeding a crowd, this dish is hearty, flavorful, and simple to make ahead. Whether you’re serving this at a family gathering or storing leftovers for busy weeknights, this casserole is bound to become a family favorite. Enjoy every cheesy, saucy bite!