Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake
Looking to prepare an easy, comforting meal for your family this week? Consider trying this chicken parmesan pasta bake – it’s the perfect one-dish solution.
This casserole combines the flavors of chicken parmesan, one of the most beloved Italian-American dishes, with a hearty pasta component. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are baked with marinara sauce and melty mozzarella until the cheese is golden brown. At the same time, penne pasta cooks through in the same dish.
The result is a satisfying chicken parm casserole with pasta that requires just one baking vessel. All the flavors meld together into a homogenous blend of chicken, tomato sauce, and pasta. It’s the perfect example of a parmesan chicken pasta bake.
With its combination of protein, noodles, and tomato-based sauce, this parmesan chicken pasta casserole offers balanced nutrition in one fell swoop. Best of all, it comes together easily for busy weeknights. Simply brown and layer ingredients before baking – no stovetop monitoring is required.
The shredded chicken lends itself to a simple chicken marinara casserole preparation. A sprinkle of parmesan adds umami depth, while a garlicky breadcrumb topping adds crunch. This easy chicken parmesan pasta bake lets the flavors shine through with minimal effort.
Feel free to substitute your favorite pasta in place of penne for a chicken parm spaghetti bake variation. Or, for extra creaminess, consider a cheesy chicken parmesan pasta bake using ricotta or sour cream. However you prepare it, this simple chicken parmesan pasta recipe is sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
So don’t let the week feel long – energize your family with the comfort of a baked chicken pasta marinara. This Italian-inspired dinner is full of cozy flavors and reminds us that sometimes, the simplest meals are the most welcome. Dig into a hot, hearty chicken parmesan pasta bake tonight!
Ingredients for Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake:
- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, shredded
- 12 ounces of pasta (penne or fusilli works well)
- 2 cups of marinara sauce
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake Recipe
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add shredded chicken to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is heated through, about 3-4 minutes.
- Pour marinara sauce over the chicken and stir until the chicken is evenly coated. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, combine cooked pasta, chicken mixture, half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well to combine.
- Transfer the pasta and chicken mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the pasta and chicken.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
- Once baked, remove the chicken parmesan pasta bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, and serve hot. Enjoy your cheesy and flavorful chicken parmesan pasta bake!
This easy-to-follow recipe combines the classic flavors of chicken parmesan with the comforting goodness of pasta, creating a deliciously satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
FAQs On Chicken Parmesan Pasta
What ingredients do I need to make a chicken parmesan pasta bake?
To whip up a delectable chicken parmesan pasta bake, you’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pasta (penne or rigatoni work well), marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and some basic seasonings like garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Utilizing pre-cooked chicken can save you time and effort. You can use leftover chicken from a previous meal or rotisserie chicken from the store. Simply shred or cube the chicken and incorporate it into the recipe as directed.
How long does it take to bake the chicken parmesan pasta bake?
The baking time for your chicken parmesan pasta bake typically ranges from 25 to 30 minutes in a preheated oven set to 375°F (190°C). However, always ensure that the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and golden before removing it from the oven.
Can I make this dish ahead of time and freeze it?
Yes, you can! This is an excellent candidate for make-ahead meals. After assembling the dish, cover it tightly with foil and freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake it according to the recipe instructions.
What noodles for chicken parmesan?
For chicken parmesan, you can use any pasta noodles you prefer, but penne or rigatoni work particularly well. Their sturdy shapes hold up nicely to the hearty chicken and sauce, providing a satisfying bite in every forkful.
What to do with leftover chicken parmesan?
Transform leftover chicken parmesan into a delicious sandwich by layering it between slices of crusty bread with marinara sauce and melted cheese. Alternatively, chop it up and toss it into a salad for a flavorful twist on a classic dish.
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