Indulge in the comforting flavors of chicken parmesan casserole, a delightful dish that brings together juicy chicken, savory marinara, and a golden layer of cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, this casserole is easy to prepare and sure to please even the pickiest eaters. With its warm and cheesy goodness, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite, making mealtime both enjoyable and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup cooked pasta (e.g., penne or rotini)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 6 people. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, while cooking time is around 30 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Per serving (1/6 of the casserole): Approximately 400 calories, 25g protein, 30g carbohydrates, 20g fat, and 800mg sodium. This nutritional value is calculated for one serving.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, marinara sauce, cooked pasta, and Italian seasoning.
- Spread half of the chicken mixture evenly in a greased casserole dish.
- Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the chicken mixture.
- Add the remaining chicken mixture on top.
- Top with the rest of the mozzarella cheese and all of the Parmesan cheese.
- In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the cheese layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute cooked chicken with turkey or even use a plant-based chicken alternative for a vegetarian option. Additionally, whole wheat pasta can be used for a healthier twist.
Serving and Pairings
This chicken parmesan casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. A light red wine can also complement the flavors beautifully.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. This casserole can also be frozen for up to 2 months; just thaw and reheat thoroughly.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overcooking the chicken can make it dry; use rotisserie chicken for best results.
- Not greasing the dish properly may cause sticking.
- Using low-quality cheese can affect the flavor.
- Skipping the breadcrumbs can result in a less crispy topping.
- Not letting the casserole cool before serving may cause it to fall apart.
Helpful Tips
- Use fresh herbs for enhanced flavor.
- Experiment with different types of cheese.
- Make it ahead of time and bake just before serving.
- Adjust the level of marinara sauce to your taste.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to fully cook it before shredding and mixing it with the other ingredients.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.
What can I serve with chicken parmesan casserole?
This dish pairs well with a fresh salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
How can I make the casserole spicier?
You can add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or use spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick.
Conclusion
Chicken parmesan casserole is a delightful blend of flavors that’s easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners. With its cheesy topping and comforting ingredients, this dish is sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire. Enjoy this heartwarming meal any night of the week!
Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup cooked pasta e.g., penne or rotini
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, marinara sauce, cooked pasta, and Italian seasoning.
- Spread half of the chicken mixture evenly in a greased casserole dish.
- Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the chicken mixture.
- Add the remaining chicken mixture on top.
- Top with the rest of the mozzarella cheese and all of the Parmesan cheese.
- In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the cheese layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil.