Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Prep Time: 40 mins | Cook Time: 40 mins | Total Time: 1 hr 20 mins | Yield: 5 Servings

I can’t think of any reason why you shouldn’t try this recipe. This is a must-try! In about 1 hour, you will have the best meal ever. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

¾ lb rigatoni pasta

32 ounces marinara sauce

3 c mozzarella cheese, shredded & separated

⅓ c Parmesan cheese, finely grated

2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts

¾ c flour

2 tsp seasoned salt

¼ tsp pepper

2 Eggs

1 ½ c Italian breadcrumbs

¾ c vegetable oil

2 tbsp butter

Fresh Parsley, to garnish

Directions:

To Prepare the Pasta:

Step 1: Place a large pot with water on the stove and turn the heat to high. Allow the water to boil.

Step 2: Add the rigatoni and cook for 1 minute or until al dente.

Step 3: Drain the pasta and put it back in the pot, then add 32 oz. of sauce, 1 cup of Mozzarella cheese, and ⅓ of Parmesan cheese. Toss until well combined, then set aside.

To prepare the chicken:

Step 1: Use paper towels to pat dry the chicken, then slice them into ½-inch-thick small strips.

Step 2: In a small mixing bowl, add 2 teaspoons of seasoned salt, ¾ cup of flour, and ¼ teaspoon of pepper. Whisk until well mixed.

Step 3: In another mixing bowl, add 2 eggs. Whisk until creamy.

Step 4: In another mixing bowl, add ½ cup of breadcrumbs.

Step 5: Dip each chicken strip into the flour mixture, then to the egg wash, and finally into the crumbs. Slightly flatten the chicken with your palms.

Step 6: Place a pan on the stove and turn the heat to medium-high.

Step 7: Add ¼-inch of oil and allow it to become hot.

Step 8: Add in the chicken strips and cook each side for 4 minutes or until golden brown. Make sure to cook them in batches and add more oil if needed.

Step 9: Put the fried chicken strips on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 10: Slice the fried chicken strips into bite-sized cuts.

Assemble the Casserole and Bake:

Step 1: Prepare the oven and preheat to 190 degrees C or 375 degrees F.

Step 2: Apply cooking spray in a 9×13-inch casserole dish.

Step 3: Spread ½ of the rigatoni and sauce on the bottom, then place ½ of the chicken strips on top as well as 1 cup of Mozzarella cheese and ⅓ Parmesan cheese.

Step 4: Repeat step 3 until everything is arranged in layers.

Step 5: Place the casserole dish inside the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes or until done. (For a crispier top, adjust the heat to 425 degrees F and bake for another 5 minutes.)

Step 6: Remove from the oven and sprinkle fresh parsley on top.

Step 7: Serve hot with your Cheesy homemade garlic bread. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts:

[penci_recipe]