Chicken Parmesan Casserole: A Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food Delight
Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian-American dish beloved for its crispy chicken, tangy marinara sauce, and gooey cheese. This Chicken Parmesan Casserole takes all those delicious flavors and transforms them into a hearty, family-friendly meal that’s easy to make and even easier to love. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this casserole is sure to become a new favorite in your dinner rotation.
Ingredients:
- 3/4 lb rigatoni pasta
- 32 oz marinara sauce (up to 48 oz for saucier pasta)
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp seasoned salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups Italian breadcrumbs
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Dredge each chicken cutlet in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Dip the floured chicken in the beaten eggs, then coat with Italian breadcrumbs.
- Fry the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Fry the breaded chicken cutlets for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange the cooked rigatoni pasta in an even layer over the sauce. Top with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Place the fried chicken cutlets on top of the cheese layer. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the chicken, then sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Bake the Casserole: 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.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the foil from the baking dish and dot the top of the casserole with butter. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Use Different Pasta: Feel free to swap out the rigatoni pasta for your favorite pasta shape, such as penne, spaghetti, or even ziti.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, or spinach into the casserole for added flavor and nutrition.
- Make it Spicy: For a kick of heat, add crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or sprinkle them over the cheese layer before baking.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- Low-Carb Option: Substitute the rigatoni pasta with cooked spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative.
- Keto-Friendly: Instead of breadcrumbs, use crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a keto-friendly breading on the chicken. Replace the rigatoni pasta with cauliflower rice or shirataki noodles to keep the dish keto-compliant.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use store-bought marinara sauce? A: Yes, store-bought marinara sauce works perfectly in this recipe. Choose your favorite brand or flavor to customize the taste to your liking.
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time? A: Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just be sure to increase the baking time slightly if baking the casserole straight from the refrigerator.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Yes, leftover chicken Parmesan casserole can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake in a preheated oven until heated through.
With its crispy chicken, hearty pasta, and gooey cheese, this Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting a casual dinner party, this easy-to-make casserole is sure to impress. Plus, with the option to customize the ingredients and make it keto or low-carb, it’s a versatile dish that everyone can enjoy. Give it a try and savor the deliciousness of homemade comfort food at its finest!