Description
This comforting Chicken Parmesan Casserole combines tender seared chicken, rotini pasta, and rich marinara sauce baked together with melted mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and a crispy buttery panko topping. It’s a one-dish meal bursting with Italian flavors, perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite size cubes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 ounces rotini pasta, uncooked
- 24 ounces marinara sauce (1 jar)
- 2½ cups chicken broth, low sodium
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Cheese and Topping
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish to prepare it for assembling the casserole.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the cubed chicken with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Sear the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes until browned but not fully cooked through.
- Combine Ingredients: In the prepared baking dish, add uncooked rotini, marinara sauce, chicken broth, minced garlic, and the seared chicken with its juices. Stir well to evenly coat the pasta and submerge it in the liquid.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil, stir the pasta, and check tenderness. If needed, add a splash more broth, re-cover, and bake for 5 additional minutes.
- Add Cheese and Breadcrumbs: Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the pasta. In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and scatter this over the cheese layer for a crisp topping.
- Bake Uncovered: Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and breadcrumbs are golden. Optionally, broil for 1 to 2 minutes for extra browning.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking. Sprinkle chopped fresh basil on top before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the foil is sealed tightly when baking to steam the pasta properly and avoid crunchy noodles.
- Searing chicken before baking adds extra flavor and texture but does not fully cook it.
- Adjust baking time if the pasta is not tender after the initial cooking.
- Running under the broiler at the end is optional but enhances topping crispiness and color.
- Use low sodium chicken broth to better control the saltiness of the dish.