Description
This Chicken Parmesan Casserole with Pasta features tender rotisserie chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and rich marinara sauce all baked under a golden, crispy panko topping with melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping, delivering restaurant-quality comfort food in less than an hour.
Ingredients
- 1 small rotisserie chicken, pulled into small pieces
- 1/2 pound pasta, about 3 cups dry, any short pasta shape
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or spaghetti sauce, store-bought is perfectly fine
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded melts better than pre-shredded
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, adds a sharp, rich flavor
- 3/4 cup panko bread crumbs, for the crispy topping
- 2 tablespoons melted butter, to bind the topping mixture
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, dried works great
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, for extra depth of flavor
- Optional toppings, fresh basil, red pepper flakes, extra parmesan
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until it's just shy of al dente, about 2 minutes less than the package directions (it will cook more in the oven). Drain and set aside.
- Shred the Chicken: If you haven't already, pull the rotisserie chicken into small, bite-sized pieces, discarding the skin and bones. You should have about 2 to 3 cups of shredded chicken.
- Mix the Sauce Base: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, marinara sauce, and 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese, stirring until everything is evenly coated.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Layer the Mixture: Pour the pasta and chicken mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it in an even layer. Top with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Make the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs, melted butter, grated parmesan, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder, stirring until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture evenly over the casserole and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes