Description
Indulge in a comforting and satisfying Chicken Parmesan Casserole baked with penne pasta. This easy Italian-inspired dish is perfect for a family dinner or gathering, combining tender chicken, flavorful marinara sauce, and gooey cheese with a crispy breadcrumb topping.
Ingredients
Scale
Penne Pasta:
- 12 ounces penne pasta
Chicken Mixture:
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Cheese Layer:
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Breadcrumb Topping:
- 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Garnish:
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Pasta: Cook penne pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix pasta, chicken, marinara sauce, spices, salt, and pepper. Add 1 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan.
- Assemble: Spread the mixture in the baking dish, top with remaining cheeses.
- Add Topping: Mix breadcrumbs with butter, sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly. Rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish: Garnish with basil or parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Enhance with sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
- Substitute penne with rigatoni or ziti as desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
