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Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Chicken Parmesan Casserole

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A comforting baked chicken parmesan casserole with crispy breaded chicken, rigatoni, marinara sauce, and plenty of melted cheese.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3/4 pound rigatoni pasta
  • 3248 oz marinara sauce
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 3/4 cup flour
  • 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 eggs, whisked
  • 1 1/2 cups Italian breadcrumbs
  • 3/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni 1 minute less than al dente. Drain and return to the pot.

2. Toss the pasta with marinara sauce, 2 tablespoons Parmesan, and 1 cup mozzarella. Set aside.

3. Pat the chicken dry and cut into 1/2-inch thick strips.

4. Prepare breading stations: combine flour, seasoned salt, and pepper in one bowl; whisk eggs in another; add breadcrumbs to a third.

5. Dredge chicken in flour, dip in eggs, then coat in breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to adhere.

6. Heat oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in batches for about 4 minutes per side until golden brown.

7. Transfer chicken to a paper towel-lined plate, then cut into bite-sized pieces.

8. Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

9. Layer half the pasta, half the chicken, 2 tablespoons Parmesan, and 1 cup mozzarella.

10. Add remaining pasta, chicken, and remaining cheeses on top.

11. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes. For a crispier top, increase heat to 425°F and bake 5 additional minutes.

12. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Use whole milk, low-moisture mozzarella for best melting results.

You can substitute frozen chicken tenders or rotisserie chicken for convenience.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

This casserole can be assembled ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking.

Add extra sauce before reheating to keep the pasta from drying out.