Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Casserole

$- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 2 cups cooked penne pasta - 2 cups marinara sauce The main ingredients for Chicken Parmesan Casserole are simple and tasty. Shredded chicken brings protein and flavor. You can use rotisserie chicken for quick prep. Cooked penne pasta adds heartiness to the dish. The marinara sauce ties everything together with its rich tomato taste. - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Cheese is key for a creamy casserole. Mozzarella melts beautifully and becomes gooey. Parmesan adds a sharp flavor that enhances the dish. Italian seasoning brings warmth and depth. This mix of cheeses makes every bite rich and delicious. - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Optional ingredients can take your casserole up a notch. Garlic powder adds a savory punch. Red pepper flakes give a hint of spice. Fresh basil is perfect for garnishing. It adds color and a fresh taste to the final dish. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step warms the oven and helps the casserole cook evenly. Next, grab a large mixing bowl. In it, combine 2 cups of shredded chicken, 2 cups of cooked penne pasta, and 2 cups of marinara sauce. Mix well until everything is evenly coated. This ensures each bite is full of flavor. Now, add in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Stir these in well. These seasonings bring out the best in your dish. Take a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish. Transfer your chicken and pasta mixture into the dish. Spread it out evenly. Now, it’s time for cheese! Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Then, add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This cheese mix will create a delicious, gooey top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. This initial baking helps heat everything through. After 20 minutes, remove the foil. Bake for another 10 minutes. You want the cheese to be bubbly and golden brown. Once it looks perfect, take it out of the oven. Let it sit for 5 minutes. This helps the casserole set. Before serving, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a touch of flavor and color. To make your Chicken Parmesan Casserole great, start with even mixing. Use a big bowl for the chicken, pasta, and marinara. Mix them well, so every bite is tasty. This way, you get the flavors together. For gooey cheese, sprinkle it on top evenly. Use fresh mozzarella and grated Parmesan for the best melt. If you want it extra cheesy, add more mozzarella. This gives you that lovely, stretchy cheese effect. One common mistake is not preheating the oven. Always heat it to 375°F before baking. This helps the casserole cook evenly. Another mistake is overcooking the chicken. If it’s too dry, the casserole will not be as good. Use cooked chicken that is juicy and tender. Pair your casserole with simple side dishes. A nice green salad goes well. Garlic bread is also a great choice. These sides balance the meal. For garnishing, use fresh basil leaves. They add color and flavor. You can also sprinkle a bit of extra Parmesan on top before serving. Pro Tips Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand, saving you time and reducing waste. Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to mix in other cheeses like provolone or gouda for a different flavor profile. Just ensure they melt well! Add Vegetables: Boost the nutritional value by adding sautéed vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to the casserole mix. Make Ahead: You can prepare this casserole in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you're ready to cook! {{image_2}} You can easily change the pasta in this dish. Try using rotini or farfalle for fun shapes. They hold the sauce well. If you want to switch proteins, use cooked turkey or even a plant-based option. Shredded tofu or tempeh works nicely too. Adding vegetables can make your casserole even better. Chopped spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms add great taste and color. For a spicy kick, toss in more red pepper flakes. You can also try using spicy marinara sauce for extra heat. If you need a gluten-free meal, swap regular pasta for gluten-free penne. Many brands offer tasty options. For low-carb, use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. These swaps keep the flavors while fitting into your dietary needs. To keep your Chicken Parmesan Casserole fresh, store it in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container. It will last about 3 to 4 days this way. If you want to save it for later, freezing is a great option. Cut it into portions. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. It will stay good for up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat in the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20 minutes or until it is warm. For quicker reheating, use the microwave. Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 1 to 2 minutes, checking often to avoid overcooking. In the fridge, your Chicken Parmesan Casserole lasts about 3 to 4 days. If you freeze it, it can last up to 3 months. To keep it at its best, make sure it is sealed well. When thawing, move it to the fridge overnight before reheating. This helps keep the flavor and texture intact. You can swap penne pasta for other types. Here are some great choices: - Rotini: Its twists hold sauce well. - Fusilli: Also spiraled, great for a fun look. - Shells: They cradle the sauce nicely. - Spaghetti: Classic choice, but break it up for best results. Using different pasta can change the dish's look and texture. Experiment to find what you enjoy! Yes, you can prepare this casserole ahead. Here’s how to do it: - Assemble: Follow the recipe steps, but stop before baking. - Cover: Use plastic wrap or aluminum foil to seal it. - Chill: Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it’s cold. You can easily make this dish healthier. Consider these suggestions: - Whole Wheat Pasta: Swap regular pasta for whole wheat for more fiber. - Low-Fat Cheese: Use reduced-fat mozzarella and Parmesan to cut calories. - Add Veggies: Mix in spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for nutrition. - Use Lean Chicken: Opt for skinless chicken breast to lower fat content. These changes keep the great taste while adding health benefits! This blog post shared a simple Chicken Parmesan Casserole recipe. We covered the key ingredients like chicken, pasta, and cheese. The step-by-step instructions guided you from prep to baking. Helpful tips showed how to avoid common mistakes and perfect your dish. Lastly, we explored variations and storage options. With this knowledge, you can easily create a delicious casserole. Enjoy your cooking adventure and share your tasty results!$

Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Casserole

A delicious and comforting casserole made with shredded chicken, pasta, marinara sauce, and topped with gooey cheese.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
2 cups cooked penne pasta
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 bunch Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked penne pasta, and marinara sauce. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
Stir in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes, if using.
Transfer the chicken and pasta mixture into a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish.
Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Once done, remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves for added flavor and a pop of color before serving.

Notes

Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition.

Keyword casserole, cheesy, chicken, pasta