Crispy Chicken Parmesan Casserole

$- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 3 cups marinara sauce - 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini) You need shredded chicken for a great base. I love using leftover chicken. It makes things easy. Marinara sauce brings rich flavor and moisture to the dish. You can use store-bought or homemade. For pasta, penne or rotini works best. They hold sauce well. - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - ½ teaspoon garlic powder - ½ teaspoon onion powder Cheese is key to a creamy casserole. I recommend fresh mozzarella for a melty texture. Grated Parmesan adds a salty kick. Italian seasoning blends herbs perfectly. Garlic and onion powders enhance the dish's warmth. - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch) - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Salt and pepper to taste Breadcrumbs add crunch and texture. Panko is my favorite for extra crispiness. Fresh parsley not only looks nice but also adds a fresh taste. Don’t forget to salt and pepper your mix for balance. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, you need to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms up, grab a 9x13 inch casserole dish and lightly grease it. This step helps the casserole not stick. Next, mix the main ingredients in a large bowl. Add 2 cups of shredded chicken, 3 cups of marinara sauce, and 2 cups of cooked pasta. I suggest using penne or rotini. Then, include ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Don’t forget to add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon of onion powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well until it's evenly combined. Now, transfer the chicken mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Spread it evenly in the dish. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor. In a separate bowl, prepare the breadcrumb topping. Combine the remaining mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of breadcrumbs. I recommend using panko for a nice crunch. Mix this until it’s well combined. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the chicken and pasta layer. This layer adds texture and a golden finish. Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil. Place it in the oven and bake for 20 minutes. This keeps moisture in. After 20 minutes, remove the foil. Bake for another 15 to 20 minutes. Watch for the top to turn golden brown and crispy. Once it’s done, take it out of the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. This pause helps the dish set. Before serving, add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy your Chicken Parmesan Casserole! - Best practices for shredding chicken: Use two forks to pull the chicken apart. It helps to keep the pieces even. Shred it while it's still warm for easier handling. If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, use that for extra flavor. - Ideal marinara sauce options: Look for a marinara sauce with simple ingredients. A good sauce should taste fresh and not too sweet. You can also try a homemade sauce for more control over the flavors. - Presentation ideas: Serve the casserole in deep bowls. Sprinkle extra parsley on top for a pop of color. You can also add a few slices of fresh basil to make it look fancy. - Side dishes that complement the casserole: A crisp green salad pairs well. You can also serve garlic bread or steamed veggies. These options add freshness and balance to the meal. - Preventing a soggy casserole: Make sure to drain excess liquid from the chicken and marinara. Avoid overcooking the pasta before mixing it in. This helps keep the dish firm. - Fixing an overly dry dish: If the casserole is dry, add more marinara sauce before baking. You can also drizzle a bit of olive oil on top before serving. This adds moisture and flavor. Pro Tips Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker prep time, consider using store-bought rotisserie chicken. It adds flavor and saves you time! Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to mix different types of cheese, such as provolone or fontina, for a unique flavor profile. Make It Ahead: This casserole can be assembled a day ahead. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate until you're ready to bake! Leftover Transformation: If you have leftovers, repurpose them into a delicious wrap or sandwich for a quick lunch option! {{image_2}} You can easily switch up the chicken in this dish. Turkey works well if you want a leaner meat. For a vegetarian option, try using chickpeas or tofu. Both will add protein and texture. If you need gluten-free pasta, look for brown rice or quinoa pasta. These options hold up well in the casserole. They will blend nicely with the sauce and cheese. To amp up the flavor, consider adding extra vegetables. Spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms are great choices. They add color and nutrition to your meal. You can sauté them first to bring out their taste. If you like some heat, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. Just a pinch can transform the dish into a spicy delight. Adjust the amount based on your taste level. You can make this casserole in an Instant Pot for a quick meal. Just combine all ingredients in the pot and set it to pressure cook for about 15 minutes. This method keeps everything moist and flavorful. A slow cooker is another great option. Mix your ingredients in the pot and cook on low for 4-6 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. To store your leftovers, wait until the dish cools down. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also use an airtight container for best results. This will keep your chicken Parmesan casserole fresh. When it comes to reheating, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20 minutes or until it's hot all the way through. You can also use a microwave, but the oven keeps the crispiness. If you want to freeze the casserole, do it before baking. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, then cover it tightly. You can bake it directly from frozen, just add extra time to the cooking. If you freeze after baking, let it cool completely first. Wrap it well in plastic wrap, then foil. This method helps prevent freezer burn. In the fridge, the casserole lasts about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to check for any signs of spoilage before eating. In the freezer, it can last for about 2 to 3 months. For best taste, enjoy it sooner rather than later. Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken? Yes, you can use store-bought rotisserie chicken. It saves time and adds flavor. Just shred it and mix it in with the other ingredients. This makes the dish quick and easy. What can I substitute for marinara sauce? You can use other sauces like Alfredo or pesto. Tomato sauce works too. Just make sure to keep the flavors in mind. Experiment and find what you like best! How to make it spicier? To spice it up, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce. Mix them into the chicken and sauce. You can also include diced jalapeños for extra heat. Adjust the spice to your taste. Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare it a day before. Just assemble it and cover it well. Store it in the fridge. When you're ready, bake it straight from the fridge. It makes meal prep easy! Caloric content and serving sizes One serving has about 400-500 calories. This can vary based on the ingredients used. It’s best to check your specific brands. This dish can serve six people, making it great for families. Healthy modifications To make it healthier, use whole-grain pasta. You can reduce cheese or use low-fat options. Adding more veggies, like spinach or zucchini, boosts nutrition too. These changes keep it delicious and nutritious! This blog post covered a simple and tasty chicken casserole. We talked about its key ingredients, like shredded chicken, marinara sauce, and cheeses. I shared steps for making it, from preparation to baking. You learned tips to make it better and different ways to customize it. In my view, a casserole is fun, easy, and perfect for sharing. Now, get cooking and enjoy your meal!$

Crispy Chicken Parmesan Casserole

A delicious and hearty casserole featuring shredded chicken, marinara sauce, pasta, and a crispy cheese topping.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 40

Total Time 55

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
3 cups marinara sauce
2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini)
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
to taste Salt and pepper

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish.
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, marinara sauce, cooked pasta, ½ cup of mozzarella cheese, ½ cup of Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Transfer the chicken mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
In a separate bowl, combine the remaining mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs. Mix until well combined.
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the chicken and pasta layer in the casserole dish.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve in deep bowls with a sprinkle of extra parsley for color. Pair with a crisp green salad for a complete meal.

Keyword casserole, chicken, parmesan, pasta