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Chicken Parmesan Casserole

A comforting and hearty Chicken Parmesan Casserole layered with tender chicken, marinara sauce, and melted cheese, perfect for family dinners.
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Course: Casserole, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: casserole, chicken, Easy Dinner, Parmesan
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 450kcal

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 teaspoon salt to season chicken
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper to season chicken
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder for flavor

For the Marinara Sauce

  • 2 cups marinara sauce store-bought or homemade
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano for added flavor
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil for added flavor

For the Casserole

  • 2 cups cooked pasta penne or rotini works well
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese for topping
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping
  • 1 large egg beaten
  • 1 cup bread crumbs Italian seasoned preferred

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the casserole cooks evenly throughout.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  • Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. This step adds flavor and ensures the chicken is tender.
  • Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Marinara Sauce

  • In the same skillet, add the marinara sauce, dried oregano, and dried basil. Stir to combine and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together.

Assemble the Casserole

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cooked chicken, and marinara sauce. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
  • Transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the beaten egg and bread crumbs. This mixture will create a crispy topping.
  • Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture evenly over the chicken and pasta mixture in the baking dish.
  • Top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese, ensuring an even layer for a cheesy crust.

Bake the Casserole

  • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. This helps to keep the casserole moist.
  • After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  • Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set, making it easier to serve.

Notes

Serve with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 450kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 120mg | Sodium: 900mg | Potassium: 600mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 700IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 400mg | Iron: 2mg