Description
This Chicken Parmesan Pasta Casserole combines tender, breadcrumb-coated chicken cubes with rotini pasta, marinara sauce, and a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Baked until bubbly and golden, it’s a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for family dinners or meal prepping.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Breading
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into ¾-inch cubes
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons water
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
Pasta and Sauce
- 1 lb rotini pasta, cooked, drained, and cooled
- 1 (24-28 oz) jar marinara sauce
Cheeses
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or provolone cheese)
Instructions
- Prepare the Breading Mixture and Egg Wash: In a shallow dish, mix together the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, and dried basil. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg with water to create an egg wash.
- Coat and Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Dip each chicken cube first into the egg wash, then dredge it thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. Cook the chicken cubes in batches in the skillet, turning to brown all sides and ensure they are fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Assemble the Casserole: Grease a 13×9 inch baking dish. Layer half of the cooked rotini pasta evenly at the bottom. Spread half of the marinara sauce over the pasta, then sprinkle half of the shredded Parmesan cheese. Next, evenly distribute the cooked chicken pieces over the cheese. Pour the remaining marinara sauce on top, followed by the rest of the pasta and the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the assembled baking dish in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs if available to enhance flavor.
- For extra crisp chicken, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes after baking.
- Pasta should be cooked al dente for best texture in the casserole.
- Substitute mozzarella with provolone or a mozzarella-provolone blend for variation.
- Make sure the chicken is fully cooked before assembling to ensure food safety.
