Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 3 cups cooked diced or shredded chicken
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, divided
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsp chopped basil or parsley

Instructions

Follow each step in order. The directions below are written so a beginner can understand what to do, what to look for, and when to move on to the next step.

1. Step 1.Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil while you measure the sauce, cheeses, chicken, and breadcrumb topping.
2. Step 2.Cook the penne until it is about 2 minutes shy of al dente according to the package directions. Drain well without rinsing so the pasta keeps enough surface starch for the marinara to cling to it.
3. Step 3.In a large bowl, combine the drained pasta, cooked chicken, marinara, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, 1 cup mozzarella, and 1/4 cup Parmesan. Fold gently until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated.
4. Step 4.Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Avoid pressing it down firmly, because a loosely packed casserole heats more evenly and is easier to serve.
5. Step 5.Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan over the top. Make sure the cheese reaches near the edges so every portion has a browned, cheesy surface.
6. Step 6.Combine the panko with the olive oil and toss until the crumbs are lightly coated. Scatter the crumbs evenly over the cheese to mimic the crisp breaded element of classic chicken Parmesan.
7. Step 7.Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the sauce bubbles around the edges and the center is fully hot. If the ingredients started cold, the casserole may need several extra minutes in the oven.
8. Step 8.For a more deeply browned topping, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end while watching continuously. Breadcrumbs and Parmesan can go from golden to burnt quickly under direct broiler heat.
9. Step 9.Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 8 minutes before serving. The rest allows the sauce and melted cheese to settle around the pasta instead of running immediately onto the plate.
10. Step 10.Finish with chopped basil or parsley and serve with a green salad or roasted vegetables. Refrigerate leftovers promptly and reheat until the middle is steaming hot before eating.