Chicken Parmesan Casserole
A cozy, comforting Chicken Parmesan Casserole that combines chicken, pasta, and cheese for a family-friendly meal.
Servings: 6 servings
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
- 9x13 inch Baking Dish
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces penne pasta
Chicken
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
- 36 ounces pasta sauce
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 12 ounces fresh mozzarella, cut into slices
- ⅓ cup Panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh basil, chiffonade for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the Pasta - Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Prepare the Chicken - While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the boneless skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden and cooked through. Once cooked, remove the chicken and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
- Step 3: Mix the Sauce and Pasta - In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta with the pasta sauce. Gently fold in the sliced chicken until everything is well-coated.
- Step 4: Assemble the Casserole - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spread half of the pasta and chicken mixture. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top, then layer the remaining pasta mixture on top. Finish by laying the fresh mozzarella slices evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Step 5: Add the Topping - In a small bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole for a delightful crunchy topping.
- Step 6: Bake! - Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Step 7: Garnish and Serve - Once out of the oven, let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes. Before serving, sprinkle with fresh basil chiffonade for a pop of color and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in Italian seasoning for a few hours before cooking. Feel free to use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time.