Description
A comforting chicken Parmesan casserole layered with tender pasta, marinara sauce, and two kinds of cheese, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups cooked pasta (e.g., penne or rotini)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional garnish: Fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the shredded chicken, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and heat for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
- Combine the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, half of the Parmesan cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese in a mixing bowl. Mix well.
- Add the seasoned chicken to the pasta mixture and combine until everything is evenly distributed.
- Pour the casserole mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let it cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if using.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
To maximize flavor, consider using fresh, high-quality marinara sauce. You can also prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for several hours or overnight.
