Description
This Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish featuring al dente rotini pasta, crispy chicken strips, creamy ricotta, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses baked in rich marinara sauce. Perfect for a family dinner, it combines familiar Italian flavors in a convenient casserole form.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Chicken
- 8 ounces dry rotini pasta
- 6 frozen crispy chicken strips (such as Tyson or Foster Farms)
Cheese Mixture
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Sauces and Seasonings
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce, divided
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Cook Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set it aside.
- Cook Chicken: While the pasta cooks, prepare the frozen crispy chicken strips by either air frying or baking them according to the package directions. Once cooked, allow them to cool slightly, then slice into ½-inch pieces.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, eggs, half of the shredded mozzarella, half of the grated Parmesan, half of the marinara sauce, dried Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Stir these ingredients thoroughly to make a creamy mixture, then fold in the cooked pasta until evenly coated.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the pasta and cheese mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Spread the sliced chicken evenly over the top, then spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the chicken. Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top. Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, golden brown, and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve hot for a delicious, satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use rotini or any other short pasta that holds sauce well.
- Frozen crispy chicken strips save time and add texture but you can use homemade breaded chicken if preferred.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for spiciness.
- This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
- For a lower-fat version, use part-skim ricotta and mozzarella cheeses.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
