Chicken Parmesan Casserole: A Hearty Italian-Inspired Dish

Welcome to a culinary journey through the flavors of Italy with our Chicken Parmesan Casserole recipe. This hearty dish combines the classic flavors of chicken Parmesan with the convenience of a casserole, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. With layers of tender chicken, al dente rigatoni pasta, savory marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese, every bite is a taste of comfort and satisfaction. Let’s dive into the details of this delicious recipe and explore its variations for different dietary preferences.

Ingredients:

¾ pound rigatoni pasta
32 oz. marinara sauce
3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded & separated
1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts
¾ cup flour
2 teaspoons seasoned salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 eggs
1 ½ cups Italian breadcrumbs
¾ cup vegetable oil
2 Tablespoons butter
Fresh Parsley, to garnish

Instructions:

Preheat Oven and Prepare Ingredients:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Meanwhile, slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thinner pieces.
Bread the Chicken:
- In three separate shallow bowls, place the flour mixed with seasoned salt and pepper, beaten eggs, and Italian breadcrumbs. Dredge each chicken breast piece in the flour mixture, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
Fry the Chicken:
- In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Working in batches if necessary, fry the breaded chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Assemble the Casserole:
- In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Arrange half of the cooked rigatoni pasta on top of the sauce. Place the fried chicken pieces over the pasta, followed by another layer of marinara sauce. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
Repeat Layers:
- Add the remaining rigatoni pasta over the cheese layer, followed by the rest of the marinara sauce. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Dot with butter.
Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to brown slightly.
Garnish and Serve:
- Once baked, garnish the Chicken Parmesan Casserole with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting goodness!

Cook’s Notes and Variations:

Make it Gluten-Free:
- Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs and gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version of this casserole. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Add Vegetables:
- Enhance the nutritional value of the casserole by adding diced vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or spinach to the marinara sauce or layering them between the pasta and chicken.
Use Different Cheese:
- Experiment with different types of cheese to customize the flavor of the casserole. Ricotta cheese or provolone cheese can be used in place of mozzarella for a variation.

Keto and Low-Carb Version:

Replace Pasta:
- Substitute the rigatoni pasta with cooked spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles for a low-carb or keto-friendly version of the casserole.
Use Almond Flour:
- Instead of traditional flour, coat the chicken breasts in almond flour seasoned with salt and pepper for a keto-friendly breading option.
Choose Low-Carb Marinara Sauce:
- Look for sugar-free or low-carb marinara sauce options to reduce the carb content of the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I prepare this casserole in advance? A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator, let it come to room temperature, and then bake as directed.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Absolutely! Allow the casserole to cool completely, then portion it into individual servings and store them in airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. Frozen leftovers can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken? A: If you have leftover cooked chicken, you can certainly use it in this recipe. Simply skip the breading and frying steps and layer the cooked chicken pieces directly into the casserole.

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with our Chicken Parmesan Casserole. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or simply craving a satisfying meal, this flavorful dish is sure to impress. With its layers of pasta, crispy chicken, gooey cheese, and rich marinara sauce, it’s a true crowd-pleaser. Plus, with our keto and low-carb variations, everyone can enjoy this Italian-inspired favorite. Serve up a taste of home-cooked goodness and savor every bite of this Chicken Parmesan Casserole masterpiece!