Chicken Parmesan Casserole
This Chicken Parmesan Casserole is like you being embraced by a masterpiece. It mixes the crunchiness and savouriness of breaded chicken with the indulgent melting mozzarella and the comforting hug of marinara. In every layer enclosed by rigatoni, a bite becomes an ode to how basic ingredients can be a symphony unleashing multi-layered flavors. Whether it's shared with loved ones or enjoyed during an evening this casserole guarantees warmth, satisfaction and that special feeling that only food prepared with love and cherished memories can provide.
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Servings: 5
Ingredients
- ¾ lb rigatoni pasta
- 32 ounces marinara sauce or up to 48 ounces for a saucier pasta
- 3 c mozzarella cheese shredded & separated
- ⅓ c Parmesan cheese finely grated
- 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ¾ c flour
- 2 tsp seasoned salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- 2 eggs
- 1 ½ c Italian breadcrumbs
- ¾ c vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- Fresh Parsley to garnish
Instructions
- Start by cooking the rigatoni. Boil it until it's a little less than al dente. Then drain the pasta. Combine it with 32 ounces of marinara sauce one one-third of the Parmesan cheese and one cup of mozzarella. Set this mixture aside.
- Now let's prepare the chicken. Take some chicken breasts. Cut them into half-inch strips. Get three bowls for breading; one with flour mixed with salt and pepper another with beaten eggs and the last one with breadcrumbs. Coat the chicken strips in flour first then dip them in the beaten eggs and finally cover them with breadcrumbs.
- It's time to fry the chicken! Heat a combination of vegetable oil and butter in a pan over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken until it turns brown on each side (4 minutes per side). Once cooked place the fried chicken on paper towels to absorb any oil. Then cut it into bite pieces.
- Let's assemble our casserole now! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish and start layering; begin with half of your cooked pasta mixture at the bottom of the dish followed by half of your chicken strips then sprinkle one-third of your Parmesan cheese on top along with one cup of mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers using up all remaining ingredients.
- Bake uncovered in your preheated oven for 25 minutes until everything is heated through and nicely melted together. If you prefer a crispier layer on your casserole you can increase the temperature to 425°F (220°C) for an additional 5 minutes during baking.
- Once out of the oven garnish your Chicken Parmesan Casserole with some parsley, for added flavor and presentation.
- Serve your casserole hot. Enjoy it ideally with a side of garlic bread topped with melted cheese!
- That's it! You've now successfully made a Chicken Parmesan Casserole. Enjoy your meal!
Notes
To easily make this Chicken Parmesan Casserole gluten-free you just need to make ingredient swaps:
Instead of using regular pasta opt for gluten-free pasta. There are plenty of options so you can choose your one.
For the chicken coating use gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can find these at grocery stores. Even make your own by using gluten-free bread.
When it comes to dredging the chicken replace flour with any gluten-free flour blend. These blends work perfectly for frying.
Ensure that your marinara sauce is gluten-free by checking the ingredients list. Some brands may include ingredients that contain gluten.