Description
This Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a comforting, baked dish with crispy breaded chicken, savory marinara sauce, melty mozzarella cheese, and perfectly cooked penne pasta. The combination of crispy chicken and creamy cheese makes this a family favorite!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, cut lengthwise
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour, for dredging
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups panko bread crumbs
- ⅔ cup Parmesan cheese, grated and divided
- 4 tablespoons oil (for frying)
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 (23-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 2 cups low-moisture mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Fresh basil (optional)
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In another dish, beat the eggs. In a third dish, mix the panko bread crumbs and ½ cup of the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Dredge each chicken breast half in the flour mixture, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it with the panko and Parmesan mixture.
- In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the breaded chicken breasts and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden and crispy. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
- In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Add the cooked penne pasta on top, followed by the remaining marinara sauce.
- Slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips and arrange them on top of the pasta. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken, then top with the remaining ⅙ cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- If desired, garnish with fresh basil and crushed red pepper flakes for added flavor.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add more crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or sprinkle on top before baking.
- You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version of this dish.
- This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and baked when ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian