This casserole will make even the most fervent weeknight warrior happy to come home to a weekday dinner. There are no complicated techniques or special ingredients. In fact, for an end result that boasts all the flavor of chicken parmesan, there’s no breading or frying the chicken.
You don't even have to pre-boil the pasta! If you’re looking to spruce up the end result, a nice green salad or fresh herb garnish would go a long way towards making this carb-creation look balanced on a plate. Plus, it will mean more leftovers for lunch tomorrow!
spicy chicken parmesan casserole
5
10 minutes
45 minutes
55 minutes
16oz uncooked penne pasta
1 25oz jar marinara sauce
1 ½ tablespoons chili pepper flakes
3 cups water
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
2 cups Italian seasoned bread crumbs
1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
Preheat the oven to 425F.
In a 9x13x2 baking dish, stir together the pasta, marinara sauce, water, chili pepper flakes, and chicken pieces. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes.
Remove from the oven, uncover, and stir.
Toss to combine the cheeses and breadcrumbs. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole. Bake, uncovered, 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and turned golden brown.
Allow to cool 3-5 minutes before serving.