Description
A comforting Chicken Parmesan Casserole combining juicy shredded chicken, marinara sauce, tender pasta, and gooey cheese for a delightful weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups cooked chicken (shredded; rotisserie chicken works great for convenience)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups cooked pasta (like penne or rotini)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Optional garnish: fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add shredded chicken along with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir it all together and heat for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, marinara sauce, and half of the cheeses (Parmesan and mozzarella). Mix well.
- Add the seasoned chicken to the pasta and sauce mixture, ensuring everything is evenly distributed.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Top with remaining cheeses—more mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Allow to cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.
- Serve warm and relish the flavors!
Notes
For a lighter dish, use shredded turkey or a plant-based protein as an alternative to chicken. Storing leftovers in the refrigerator is fine for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: chicken casserole, comfort food, quick dinner, Italian recipe, family meal