Description
A simple and hearty casserole featuring tender chicken, marinara sauce, and melty cheese, all baked together with pasta for a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (16 oz) package uncooked penne pasta
- 3 cups marinara sauce (about 1 jar, 24 oz)
- 3 cups water
- 1 tsp salt
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 ½ lbs raw chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1–2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or Italian cheese blend)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- Optional: Fresh chopped herbs like basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and lightly coat a 13×9-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked penne pasta, marinara sauce, water, salt, pepper, and raw chicken. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and cover tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 30 minutes. Carefully remove the foil and stir the mixture, which should be slightly firm with some liquid remaining.
- Top the casserole with shredded mozzarella cheese, Panko breadcrumbs, and a dusting of Parmesan cheese.
- Return to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and the top is golden brown.
- Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Notes
For a veggie boost, consider adding spinach or bell peppers. This casserole can also be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge or frozen for later use.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: chicken, casserole, weeknight dinner, easy recipe, Italian