Description
This Chicken Parmesan Pasta Casserole is a comforting and flavorful Italian-American dish featuring penne pasta baked with tender chicken, marinara sauce, Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, and a crispy breadcrumb topping. It’s perfect for a hearty family meal and easy to prepare with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta, cooked al dente
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Topping
- 1/2 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Sauté Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the cooked chicken and sauté for 2–3 minutes, just to heat it through and enhance flavors.
- Add Sauce and Seasoning: Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Combine well and allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors meld together.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken Mixture: In a large bowl, mix the cooked penne pasta with the warm chicken and sauce mixture. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese until evenly distributed.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the pasta and chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Prepare and Add Topping: In a small bowl, mix the Italian-style breadcrumbs with the melted butter until the crumbs are coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole to create a crispy crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and the breadcrumb topping turns golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if preferred for dietary needs.
- Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the sauce for extra nutrition and flavor.