Chicken Parmesan Casserole
A hearty and comforting casserole that combines the classic flavors of Chicken Parmesan, perfect for busy family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken Use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- 8 ounces of pasta (like ziti or penne) Cook according to package instructions.
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- to taste salt and pepper
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked chicken, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Assembly and Baking
- In a greased casserole dish, layer half of the cooked pasta at the bottom.
- Spread half of the chicken mixture on top of the pasta.
- Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the chicken.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, chicken mixture, and mozzarella cheese.
- Finally, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
Serve warm with a side salad or garlic bread. Leftovers can be stored tightly covered in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for longer storage. Mixing in cooked vegetables like spinach or bell peppers can enhance nutrition.