Can I use ground turkey or sausage instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey or cooked Italian sausage works well, so simply brown it first and drain the fat before layering it into the dish.

What should I serve with Chicken Parmesan Casserole?

A crisp green salad or garlic bread is a classic pairing that soaks up the extra sauce and cheese.

How can I store leftovers?

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, then reheat individual portions covered in the microwave until hot. [tasty-recipe id="16338"]

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Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Description

This Chicken Parmesan Casserole features tender chicken cubes and penne baked in herby marinara sauce, then topped with bubbly mozzarella and parmesan for all the flavor of the classic dish. It’s a perfect one-dish dinner for busy weeknights or meal prepping lunches for the week.

Ingredients

8 ounces penne pasta, cooked al dente
24 ounce jar marinara sauce, choose a brand you already love
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, to build a herby base
½ teaspoon salt, for the chicken
¼ teaspoon pepper, for the chicken
¼ teaspoon garlic powder, for the chicken
1⅓ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided between the layers and the topping
1 pound chicken breasts, cut into bite-size cubes
⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese, for the topping
fresh basil, for topping
1 cup baby spinach, optional, stirred into the sauce for extra greens
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional, for a gentle kick of heat

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Instructions

Preheat and Cook the Pasta: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne for about 8 minutes, until just al dente, then drain well.
Season the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the chicken cubes with ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, and ¼ teaspoon garlic powder until evenly coated.
Mix the Sauce: In a large bowl, stir the marinara sauce and 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning together, then add the drained penne and toss until every noodle is coated.
Layer the Casserole: Spread half of the sauced penne in the baking dish, scatter the seasoned chicken evenly over it, and sprinkle 1 cup of the mozzarella on top.
Add the Remaining Pasta: Spoon the rest of the penne over the layers, then sprinkle with the remaining ⅓ cup mozzarella and the ⅓ cup parmesan.
Bake Until Bubbly: Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10 minutes, until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is golden.
Garnish: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes, then scatter torn fresh basil over the top before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes