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Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 82 reviews

This Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a comforting, flavorful one-dish meal combining tender chicken, rigatoni pasta, rich marinara sauce, and a crispy cheesy topping. Perfect for a family dinner, it’s easy to prepare with layers of seasoned chicken and pasta baked together and finished with golden mozzarella, panko breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese. Garnished with fresh basil, this Italian-inspired casserole offers a delicious twist on classic chicken Parmesan in a convenient casserole form.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 1 ½ lb skinless, boneless chicken breasts, diced into bite-size cubes
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Pasta and Sauce

  • 16 oz rigatoni pasta, uncooked
  • 24 oz marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 3 cups water

Toppings

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

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Baking Dish and Chicken: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with oil. In a bowl, combine diced chicken breasts with minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and oregano. Mix thoroughly to ensure every piece is well coated and let it marinate for 5 minutes.
  2. Add Pasta and Liquids: Place the uncooked rigatoni pasta evenly into the prepared baking dish. Pour the marinara sauce over the pasta followed by 3 cups of water. This liquid will cook the pasta as the casserole bakes.
  3. Incorporate Chicken and Seasonings: Add the seasoned chicken into the baking dish. Sprinkle salt and black pepper to taste. Stir everything gently but thoroughly to evenly distribute the ingredients in the dish.
  4. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven and stir to ensure even cooking. The pasta might still be slightly undercooked at this point; that is expected.
  5. Add Cheese and Breadcrumb Topping: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the casserole. Follow with a layer of panko breadcrumbs and then a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. This topping will create a crispy, golden crust.
  6. Finish Baking: Return the uncovered casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese topping is golden brown and bubbly, and the pasta is fully cooked.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped basil before serving. Enjoy your flavorful, hearty Chicken Parmesan Casserole!

Notes

  • For alternative proteins, substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs, tofu (for a vegetarian option), or shrimp.
  • If fresh garlic is not available, garlic powder or flakes can be used instead.
  • Other pasta shapes like penne or ziti can be used in place of rigatoni.
  • For a sharper cheese flavor, try using Asiago or Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan.
  • Using Panko breadcrumbs adds extra crunch, but regular breadcrumbs or keto-friendly options can be used as well.
  • Ensure to stir the casserole halfway through baking to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
  • Serve with Caesar salad, arugula salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic mushrooms for a complete meal.

Keywords: Chicken Parmesan, Casserole, Italian casserole, baked pasta, cheesy chicken bake, comfort food

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