Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Are you craving the comforting flavors of Chicken Parmesan but want something that’s easy to prepare and serve for a crowd? This Chicken Parmesan Casserole is your answer! It’s a delightful combination of tender chicken, flavorful marinara, and gooey cheese, all baked to perfection. Perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe is sure to be a hit.

Ingredients:

For the Casserole:

• ¾ pound rigatoni pasta
• 32 oz. marinara sauce (up to 48 oz. for a saucier dish)
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts
• ¾ cup flour
• 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 2 eggs
• 1 ½ cups Italian breadcrumbs
• ¾ cup vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions:

1. Prepare the Pasta

• Preheat your oven to 375°F.
• Boil the rigatoni until it’s just one minute shy of al dente. This ensures it won’t become mushy when baked.
• Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Mix it with the marinara sauce (using more sauce if you prefer a saucier dish), 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Set aside.

2. Bread the Chicken

• Pat the chicken dry and cut it into ½-inch strips for even cooking.
• Set up three bowls: one with flour, seasoned salt, and pepper; another with whisked eggs; and the third with Italian breadcrumbs.
• Dredge each chicken strip in the flour mixture, then dip it in the eggs, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs.

3. Cook the Chicken

• Heat ¼ inch of vegetable oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pan over medium-high heat.
• Cook the breaded chicken strips until they are golden brown, approximately 4 minutes per side.
• Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Once cooled slightly, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

4. Assemble and Bake

• In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, layer half of the pasta mixture.
• Top with half of the cooked chicken pieces, 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
• Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, chicken, Parmesan, and mozzarella.
• Bake the casserole for 25 minutes. For an extra crispy top, switch to broil at 425°F for the last 5 minutes of baking.
• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Chicken Parmesan Casserole hot, alongside some garlic bread for a complete meal. A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables also make excellent accompaniments.

Recipe Details:

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 6
• Calories: 645 kcal per serving

Enjoy this comforting and delicious Chicken Parmesan Casserole with your loved ones. It’s an easy yet impressive dish that combines the classic flavors of Chicken Parmesan with the convenience of a casserole. Bon appétit!

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