Chicken Parmigiana Pasta Bake
A comforting Italian American casserole combining breaded chicken cutlets with pasta, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese at 485 calories per serving.
30m
6
Click to copy recipe URL and open the app
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to 1/2 inch thickness
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 3 cups marinara sauce, divided
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- Cooking spray for baking dish
Instructions
- 1
Prepare Pasta
Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- 2
Set Up Breading Station
Set up three shallow dishes: flour seasoned with salt and pepper in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and breadcrumbs mixed with Italian seasoning in the third.
- 3
Bread Chicken
Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Dredge each piece in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly with seasoned breadcrumbs.
- 4
Cook Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook breaded chicken pieces for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove to a plate.
- 5
Prepare Sauce
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add 2 cups marinara sauce and simmer for 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- 6
Assemble Casserole
In the prepared baking dish, layer cooked pasta, chicken pieces, and sauce mixture. Top with 1 cup mozzarella cheese and all the Parmesan cheese.
- 7
Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil, add remaining mozzarella and remaining marinara sauce on top. Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- 8
Rest and Serve
Let casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped basil and serve with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Chef's Tips
For extra crispy chicken, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. Make sure pasta is slightly underdone as it will continue cooking in the oven. This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
Nutrition Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about making this chicken parmigiana pasta bake
How long does it take to make Chicken Parmigiana Pasta Bake?
This recipe takes 75 minutes total time, including 30 minutes prep time and 45 minutes cooking time.
How many servings does this Chicken Parmigiana Pasta Bake recipe make?
This recipe yields 6 servings.
What is the difficulty level of this Chicken Parmigiana Pasta Bake recipe?
This recipe is rated as Medium difficulty level, making it suitable for home cooks with some experience.
Can I make substitutions in this Chicken Parmigiana Pasta Bake recipe?
Yes, you can make substitutions, but they may affect the final result. Common substitutions include using different types of ingredients for dietary restrictions or personal preferences.
Can I make this chicken parmigiana pasta bake ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare this chicken parmigiana pasta bake up to 1 day ahead. Assemble the dish completely, cover with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bring to room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if needed.
How do I store leftover chicken parmigiana pasta bake?
Store leftover chicken parmigiana pasta bake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
What side dishes go well with chicken parmigiana pasta bake?
This chicken parmigiana pasta bake pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts, or crusty bread. For a complete meal, serve alongside grilled chicken or a protein of your choice.
Can I freeze chicken parmigiana pasta bake?
Yes, this chicken parmigiana pasta bake freezes well for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or store in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.