Cheesy Chicken Parm Casserole: An Easy Italian Twist

Chicken Parmesan CasserolePhoto byRecipe Formula

Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dish, combining tender chicken, marinara sauce, and lots of melted cheese into a comforting, baked casserole.

>>>Get the Recipe in Details: Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 pound pasta (penne or rigatoni works well)
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
4. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, marinara sauce, oregano, basil, and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Mix until well combined.
5. Layer Casserole: Spread half of the pasta mixture in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Dollop the ricotta cheese evenly over the pasta. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top.
6. Add Topping: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with a little olive oil and sprinkle over the cheese layer.
7. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
8. Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Conclusion:

This Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a comforting and delicious dish that brings all the flavors of classic Chicken Parmesan into an easy-to-make casserole. The combination of tender chicken, rich marinara sauce, and gooey cheese is sure to please everyone at the table. Serve it with a side salad and some garlic bread for a complete meal. Enjoy this hearty and satisfying casserole with your family and friends!

FAQs:

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Q: Can I freeze the leftovers? A: Absolutely! Store the leftovers in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta? A: Yes, you can use any pasta you prefer, such as penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti.

Enjoy making and sharing this delicious Chicken Parmesan Casserole with your family and friends! 🍗🧀🍝