Chicken Parmesan Casserole
If you’re craving a comforting and cheesy Italian-inspired meal, look no further than this Chicken Parmesan Casserole recipe. This dish combines the classic flavors of chicken Parmesan with the convenience of a casserole. It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for a family dinner or a potluck with friends. In this article, we’ll guide you through the ingredients and steps to create this mouthwatering dish.
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Before diving into the cooking process, let’s gather all the ingredients:
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Ingredients | Quantity |
---|---|
Rigatoni noodles (cooked al dente) | ½ lb (8 oz) |
Chicken tenders | 29 oz bag |
Mozzarella cheese | 8 oz |
Parmesan cheese | ½ cup |
Pasta sauce | 24 oz |
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s proceed to the steps of making Chicken Parmesan Casserole.
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The Cooking Process
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken
The first step in making this delectable casserole is to preheat the oven and cook the chicken according to the package directions. This ensures that the chicken is tender and flavorful.
Step 2: Preparing the Pasta
While the chicken is cooking, take a large pot, fill it halfway with water, and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, add the rigatoni noodles and cook them for approximately 10-12 minutes or until they are al dente. Once done, strain the water and set the noodles aside.
Step 3: Assembling the Casserole
When the chicken is done cooking, cut each tender into 4-5 pieces. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked rigatoni noodles, pasta sauce, and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Gently toss everything together until it’s well mixed.
If you’re using a non-stick casserole dish, there’s no need to worry about sticking. However, if you’re using a regular casserole dish, it’s a good idea to spray it with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the casserole from sticking.
Add half of the pasta mixture to the casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
Step 4: Layering and Baking
Now, it’s time to layer the casserole. Begin by adding half of the cooked chicken pieces over the pasta mixture. Then, sprinkle half of the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. Repeat these layers one more time to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
In conclusion, Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dish. It brings together the rich flavors of chicken, cheese, and pasta in a convenient casserole format. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to be a hit. So, why wait? Get ready to indulge in this mouthwatering Chicken Parmesan Casserole tonight!