Chicken Parmesan Casserole

$For this tasty chicken parmesan casserole, you need some key ingredients. Here’s what you will use: - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 3 cups marinara sauce - 2 cups cooked penne pasta - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - Olive oil spray These ingredients come together to create a warm, comforting dish. The chicken gives protein, while the pasta adds heartiness. You can make this dish even better with some great seasonings and toppings. I suggest using: - Garlic powder for a savory kick. - Italian seasoning for a nice herb flavor. - Red pepper flakes if you like some heat. For the top, more mozzarella and Parmesan cheese will make it melty and delicious. Fresh basil not only adds color but also a fresh taste. You can customize your casserole with some fun add-ins. Consider these options: - Use rotisserie chicken for a quick option. - Swap out penne for another pasta type, like fusilli or rigatoni. - Add veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra nutrition. These changes let you make the dish your own while keeping it tasty! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by gathering all your ingredients. You need 2 cups of cooked chicken, shredded. Use leftover chicken or cook some fresh. Next, measure out 3 cups of marinara sauce and 2 cups of cooked penne pasta. For flavor, grab 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. You’ll also need 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Don't forget 1/2 cup of fresh basil, chopped. Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you like heat. Finally, have salt, pepper, and olive oil spray ready. In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, marinara sauce, and cooked penne pasta. Add the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. If you chose red pepper flakes, toss those in now. Stir until everything is well combined. Now, fold in 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese. This adds creaminess to your dish. Next, lightly spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil. Pour the chicken mixture into the dish. Spread it out evenly. Now, top the casserole with the rest of the mozzarella cheese and the remaining Parmesan cheese. This will give you a nice cheesy crust. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it. You want the cheese to be bubbly and golden brown. Once it’s done, take it out and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Before serving, sprinkle some fresh basil on top for extra flavor and color. Enjoy your tasty chicken Parmesan casserole! To make this dish truly shine, use fresh herbs. Fresh basil adds bright flavor. Mix it into the chicken and sauce for a fresh taste. You can also try adding more garlic powder for a stronger kick. If you enjoy heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes. This gives a nice zing without overwhelming the dish. You can prepare this casserole a day before. Just follow all the steps and cover it tightly. Store it in the fridge overnight. When you are ready to eat, bake it straight from the fridge. Just add about 10 minutes to the baking time. This makes busy nights easier while keeping flavors fresh. This casserole pairs well with a simple salad. A light green salad with a lemon dressing is perfect. You can also serve it with garlic bread. The bread soaks up the sauce and adds crunch. For extra fun, add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper on top before serving. This adds a pop of color and flavor. Pro Tips Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker preparation, consider using store-bought rotisserie chicken. It saves time and adds great flavor. Customize Your Pasta: Feel free to substitute the penne pasta with your favorite type of pasta, such as rigatoni or fusilli, for a different texture. Make It Ahead: This casserole can be assembled a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate until ready to bake. Experiment with Cheese: While mozzarella and Parmesan are traditional, try adding provolone or fontina for a unique twist on the flavor. {{image_2}} For a vegetarian twist, swap chicken for veggies. Use 2 cups of chopped mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. Mix these with the marinara and pasta. This keeps the flavor while being meat-free. The cheese will still melt beautifully on top. You can still enjoy that cheesy goodness. To make this dish gluten-free, choose gluten-free penne pasta. This pasta cooks the same as regular penne. Check the marinara sauce to ensure it's gluten-free. Many brands are safe. With these simple swaps, you can still enjoy every bite of this casserole without worry. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes to the mix. Use one teaspoon for a mild kick or more for extra spice. You can also use spicy marinara sauce for more flavor. This option gives the dish a fun twist that many love. Enjoy the heat while savoring the cheesy goodness! After enjoying your Chicken Parmesan Casserole, let it cool down. Place it in a container with a tight lid. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. This way, you can enjoy it again later. To reheat, take out the portion you want. Place it in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes. You can also microwave it for 2-3 minutes, but it may not stay as crispy. If you want to freeze it, let it cool completely first. Use a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat as mentioned above. Enjoy your tasty meal anytime! Yes, you can use rotisserie chicken. It saves time and adds flavor. Simply shred the chicken and mix it into your casserole. The seasoned chicken makes this dish even tastier. If you want a change, try using Alfredo sauce or pesto. Both will give your casserole a new twist. You could also use a blend of your favorite sauces for a unique taste. The casserole will last about three to four days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and ready for your next meal. In this post, we explored the tasty Chicken Parmesan Casserole. We covered key ingredients, seasonings, and optional add-ins to fit your taste. I shared a simple step-by-step guide to help you prep, assemble, and bake easily. We also shared tips for great flavor and suggested fun variations. Remember, store leftovers properly and reheating is simple. Enjoy making this dish! It’s a comforting meal for anyone who loves cheesy goodness.$

A delicious and hearty casserole featuring shredded chicken, marinara sauce, and layers of cheese.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
3 cups marinara sauce
2 cups cooked penne pasta
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
0.5 cup fresh basil, chopped
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
to taste Salt and pepper
as needed Olive oil spray

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, marinara sauce, cooked penne pasta, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Fold in 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and half of the grated Parmesan cheese into the mixture.
Lightly spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil. Pour the chicken mixture into the dish and spread it evenly.
Top the casserole with the remaining mozzarella cheese and the rest of the Parmesan cheese.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Once out of the oven, allow it to cool for about 10 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Notes

Allow the casserole to cool for 10 minutes before serving for better slicing.

Keyword casserole, cheese, chicken, parmesan, pasta