Craving a comforting, home-cooked meal but short on time? Our Chicken Parmesan Pasta Casserole is your answer! Imagine tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich tomato sauce, all blanketed in melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese. It’s quick to prepare, surprisingly healthy, and bursting with flavor. As a busy parent, I know how challenging it can be to get a satisfying dinner on the table. This Chicken Parmesan Pasta Casserole solves that problem, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Growing up, Sunday dinners were a sacred tradition. My grandmother, Nonna Elena, always had a bubbling pot of sauce simmering on the stove. While she never made a casserole exactly like this one, the aromas of garlic, basil, and tomatoes instantly transport me back to her cozy kitchen. This Chicken Parmesan Pasta Casserole is my way of marrying those cherished memories with the convenience of a modern, one-dish meal. With every bite, I am reminded what family is all about.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 15 oz tomato sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta & Cheese:
- 1 lb pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini work well)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
- Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook the Pasta: While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cooked chicken, and tomato sauce. Mix well to coat everything evenly.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread half of the pasta mixture into a lightly greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Dot with ricotta cheese and sprinkle with half of the Parmesan and mozzarella cheese.
- Layer the Casserole: Add the remaining pasta mixture and top with the remaining Parmesan and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh basil and serving.
Chicken Parmesan Pasta Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
- Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook the Pasta: While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cooked chicken, and tomato sauce. Mix well to coat everything evenly.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread half of the pasta mixture into a lightly greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Dot with ricotta cheese and sprinkle with half of the Parmesan and mozzarella cheese.
- Layer the Casserole: Add the remaining pasta mixture and top with the remaining Parmesan and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh basil and serving.
Notes
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