Description
Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a comforting baked dish combining tender penne pasta, shredded cooked chicken, rich spaghetti sauce, and a generous blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfectly seasoned with Italian herbs and baked to golden, bubbly perfection, this casserole is an easy and family-friendly meal ready in just over an hour.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Chicken
- 16 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound cooked chicken, shredded
Cheeses
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded and divided
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded and divided
Other Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 32 ounces spaghetti sauce
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Cook Pasta: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, Italian seasoning, ½ cup mozzarella cheese, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, and the entire 32 ounces of spaghetti sauce. Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well incorporated.
- Assemble and Bake: Spread the pasta and chicken mixture evenly into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the casserole to heat through.
- Add Cheese Topping and Continue Baking: Carefully remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 1½ cups mozzarella cheese and ½ cup Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Return it to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven, optionally sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a fresh, vibrant touch, then serve hot and enjoy this hearty meal.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken as a quick shortcut for cooked chicken.
- Feel free to substitute spaghetti sauce with marinara or your favorite tomato-based pasta sauce.
- For added texture, sprinkle some breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan before the final bake.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a lower-fat version, use part-skim cheeses and chicken breast without skin.
