Description

This Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a comforting and delicious baked pasta dish featuring crispy breaded chicken breasts layered with rigatoni pasta, marinara sauce, and a generous blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for a family dinner, this recipe combines the classic flavors of chicken Parmesan in an easy-to-make casserole format.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Sauce

¾ pound rigatoni pasta
32 oz. marinara sauce (or up to 48 oz. for saucier pasta)

Cheese

3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)

Chicken and Breading

2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts
¾ cup flour
2 teaspoons seasoned salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
2 eggs
1 ½ cups Italian breadcrumbs

Cooking Fats and Garnish

¾ cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons butter
Fresh parsley (to garnish)

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Instructions

Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside while you prepare the chicken.
Bread the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into desired pieces. Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour mixed with seasoned salt and pepper, one with beaten eggs, and one with Italian breadcrumbs. Dip each chicken piece first into the flour mixture, then the eggs, and finally coat with breadcrumbs thoroughly.
Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Fry the breaded chicken pieces for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Assemble the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Add half of the cooked rigatoni pasta, then layer the fried chicken pieces over the pasta. Pour half the remaining marinara sauce over the chicken, then sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Repeat with remaining pasta, sauce, and cheeses to create layers.
Bake the Casserole: Dot the top of the casserole with small pieces of butter to help with browning and add flavor. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Slice and serve warm for a hearty meal.

Notes

You can make this casserole using homemade crispy chicken, frozen chicken tenders, or leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Adjust the amount of marinara sauce to your preference for saucier or drier pasta.
Fresh parsley adds a nice fresh touch but can be omitted if unavailable.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 599 kcal
Sugar: 7 g
Sodium: 1862 mg
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0.2 g
Carbohydrates: 64 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 35 g
Cholesterol: 122 mg