Chicken Parmesan Casserole

A Comforting Family Favorite

Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a game-changer in the world of weeknight meals. It’s the perfect fusion of crispy chicken, zesty marinara sauce, and gooey cheese all nestled among tender pasta. This dish is a household favorite, making it ideal for busy families craving something hearty and satisfying on a chilly evening. I love serving this casserole when friends gather or when I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, with rotisserie chicken as a shortcut, it’s a breeze to whip up!

What Makes This Recipe Special

This casserole is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. Here’s why you’ll find it a staple in your repertoire:

1. Quick and Easy: With rotisserie chicken saving time, you can have dinner ready in about an hour.
2. Budget-Friendly: The use of simple ingredients keeps costs down while serving a crowd.
3. Kid-Approved: The cheesy, saucy goodness appeals to kids and adults alike.
4. One-Dish Wonder: Minimal cleanup is a bonus.

“This chicken parmesan casserole was a hit! Even my picky eater went for seconds!” – A satisfied home cook.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Making Chicken Parmesan Casserole might sound daunting, but I assure you, it’s quite straightforward. You’ll follow a simple series of steps that lead to a baked masterpiece. First, you’ll tolerate just enough prep work in the kitchen, followed by minimal hands-on time as it finishes in the oven. Let’s walk through the cooking process so you know exactly what to expect.

Gather Your Ingredients

To create this delightful casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works wonderfully)
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini are excellent choices)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Feel free to substitute gluten-free pasta or different types of cheese based on your dietary preferences.

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Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add the shredded chicken, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for about 5 minutes until everything is well combined and warmed through.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, half of the Parmesan cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix thoroughly.
5. Fold the seasoned chicken into the pasta mixture and ensure everything is well-distributed.
6. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
7. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
8. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
10. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. If desired, garnish with fresh basil or parsley.

Tips for Serving

The best part of Chicken Parmesan Casserole is figuring out how to make it shine on the table. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Crusty Bread: Pair this dish with garlic bread or a baguette for dipping into extra sauce.
• Salad: A fresh side salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.
• Wine Pairing: Add a glass of red wine, like Chianti or a light Pinot Noir, to elevate your dining experience.

Storage Tips

To keep your Chicken Parmesan Casserole fresh, follow these storage tips:

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the casserole before baking for up to 2 months. Just cover it tightly.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm throughout.

Remember, never leave cooked food out at room temperature longer than two hours to prevent foodborne illness.

Expert Advice

To ensure your casserole turns out perfectly, here are some pro tips:

• Use High-Quality Marinara: The sauce is crucial, so pick one you truly enjoy.
• Shred Your Chicken: Freshly shredded chicken tends to be more flavorful than pre-packaged.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: For best results, ensure the chicken and pasta blend evenly without overcrowding.

Creative Twists

If you’re feeling adventurous, consider these creative twists for your Chicken Parmesan Casserole:

• Buffalo Chicken Version: Swap marinara for buffalo sauce and mix in some ranch dressing for a spicy kick.
• Vegetarian Style: Replace chicken with roasted vegetables and add some fresh spinach.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for some heat.

Your Questions Answered

1. How long does it take to prepare?
It takes roughly 15-20 minutes to prepare and about 40 minutes in the oven, making it a total of around an hour.

2. Can I use raw chicken?
Yes, but you’ll need to cook the chicken beforehand or ensure it’s fully cooked if you’re mixing it directly.

3. How can I make it gluten-free?
Simply substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta, and ensure other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

This Chicken Parmesan Casserole recipe is sure to add warmth and comfort to your dinner table while being easy enough for any weeknight. Enjoy serving up this classic favorite!

Chicken Parmesan Casserole

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• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: None

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Description

A comforting family favorite featuring crispy chicken, zesty marinara, and gooey cheese, all baked with tender pasta.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works wonderfully)
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add the shredded chicken, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for about 5 minutes until everything is well combined and warmed through.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, half of the Parmesan cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix thoroughly.
5. Fold the seasoned chicken into the pasta mixture and ensure everything is well-distributed.
6. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
7. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
8. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
10. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. If desired, garnish with fresh basil or parsley.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and ensure other ingredients are gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 54g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: chicken casserole, comfort food, easy recipe, family dinner, weeknight meal