Description
Home cooks adore this easy chicken parmesan casserole that combines classic Italian flavors with comforting pasta. Crispy chicken, melted cheese, and marinara sauce create a delicious meal families will request again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 0.75 lb (340 g) rigatoni pasta
- 32–48 fl oz (946–1420 ml) marinara sauce
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1.5 cups Italian breadcrumbs
- 0.33 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 0.75 cup flour
- 2 eggs
- 0.75 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tbsps butter
- 2 tsps seasoned salt
- 0.25 tsp pepper
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prep Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), creating an ideal cooking environment for the casserole.
- Cook Pasta: Boil rigatoni slightly undercooked, drain, and mix with marinara sauce, Parmesan, and partial mozzarella in the pot.
- Prepare Chicken: Pat chicken dry, slice into half-inch strips. Create a breading station with seasoned flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs. Coat each strip thoroughly by dredging through each station.
- Fry Chicken: Heat oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken strips until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels and slice into bite-sized pieces.
- Assemble Casserole: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer half the pasta mixture, top with chicken pieces, sprinkle Parmesan and mozzarella. Repeat layering for complete coverage.
- Bake and Finish: Bake for 25 minutes until cheese melts. Broil at 425°F (218°C) for 4-5 minutes to create a crispy top. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and accompany with warm garlic bread for a delectable meal.
Notes
- Prep Like a Pro: Organize all ingredients and tools before starting to streamline the cooking process and reduce kitchen stress.
- Breading Mastery: Keep one hand dry and one hand wet during chicken coating to prevent messy, clumpy breading and ensure even coverage.
- Oil Temperature Matters: Use a thermometer to maintain 350°F for perfectly crispy chicken without burning, ensuring golden-brown exterior and juicy interior.
- Cheese Melting Tip: Let casserole rest 5-10 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and flavors to harmonize, preventing runny sauce and improving overall texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg