Here’s a straightforward recipe for Super Easy Chicken Parmesan & Pasta Casserole that’s comforting and delicious:
Super Easy Chicken Parmesan & Pasta Casserole
Ingredients:
- 8 oz penne pasta (or any pasta of your choice)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Cook Pasta:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and marinara sauce. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
- Assemble Casserole:
- Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Add Cheese Topping:
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture.
- Prepare Bread Crumb Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Italian seasoning until well combined.
- Top with Bread Crumbs:
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the cheese layer in the baking dish.
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Tips:
- Chicken: Use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Cheese: Feel free to adjust the amount of cheese based on your preference.
- Variations: Add extra vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to the pasta mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
- Storage: Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
This Super Easy Chicken Parmesan & Pasta Casserole is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or for feeding a crowd. It combines the classic flavors of chicken Parmesan with the simplicity of a pasta casserole, making it a family favorite!
