Recipes

Chicken Parmesan Casserole

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Craving a cozy meal that’s easy to make? This Chicken Parmesan Casserole is just what you need! In just one hour, you can have a delicious dinner that serves 6 and packs 640 calories per serving. It’s a tasty twist on the classic Italian dish, combining tender chicken, pasta, and gooey cheese in a single baking dish.

You’ll love how simple this recipe is. Just mix uncooked pasta and raw chicken with sauce and seasonings, then pop it in the oven. While it bakes, you can whip up a crispy Parmesan breadcrumb topping. The result? A comforting casserole that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this tasty Chicken Parmesan Casserole:

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 (16-ounce) package penne pasta
  • 1 1⁄2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 jar (24-ounce) marinara sauce
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1⁄2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1⁄4 cup chopped fresh basil

Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Parmesan Breadcrumb Topping:

  • 1⁄4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 3⁄4 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1⁄2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Remember to divide the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese as needed during preparation. This recipe serves 6 and takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to make, including prep time.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Mix the uncooked pasta, chicken pieces, seasonings, marinara, broth, and water in the dish.

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30-45 minutes. Stir it halfway through cooking.

While it bakes, make the topping. Mix melted butter, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning in a bowl.

After 30 minutes, check if the pasta is al dente. If it is, uncover and stir. Add most of the cheese and all the topping. If not, cook 15 more minutes.

Bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking.

Add the rest of the cheese and fresh basil before serving. Enjoy your hot, cheesy chicken Parmesan casserole!

Cooking Tips:

  • Cut chicken into even pieces for even cooking
  • Stir gently to avoid breaking the pasta
  • Let it rest to set up before serving

Possible Substitutes List

You can easily swap out ingredients in this Chicken Parmesan Casserole to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some ideas:

Pasta:

  • Ziti or rigatoni instead of penne
  • Whole wheat pasta for added fiber
  • Gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option

Protein:

  • Turkey breast cubes for a leaner option
  • Italian sausage for extra flavor
  • Tofu cubes for a vegetarian version

Cheese:

  • Provolone instead of mozzarella
  • Pecorino Romano in place of Parmesan
  • Dairy-free cheese for a vegan twist

Sauce:

  • Homemade tomato sauce
  • Alfredo sauce for a creamy version
  • Vodka sauce for a rich flavor

Breadcrumbs:

  • Regular breadcrumbs instead of panko
  • Crushed crackers for a different texture
  • Almond meal for a low-carb option

Feel free to mix and match these substitutes to create your perfect casserole!

How To Make It Diabetes-Friendly

To make this Chicken Parmesan Casserole more diabetes-friendly, you can make a few simple swaps. Use whole wheat penne pasta instead of regular pasta. This will add more fiber and help control blood sugar levels.

Cut back on the cheese. Use 1 cup of low-fat mozzarella instead of 2 cups regular. For the Parmesan, use 1/4 cup instead of 1/2 cup. This reduces fat and calories while keeping the cheesy flavor.

Choose a low-sugar marinara sauce. Look for brands with 5 grams of sugar or less per serving. You can also make your own sauce using fresh tomatoes and herbs.

For the breadcrumb topping, use almond flour instead of panko. This lowers the carbs. Mix it with just 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan and Italian seasoning.

Add extra veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach. This boosts nutrients and fiber. Chop them up and mix them in with the pasta and chicken before baking.

Watch your portion sizes. Stick to about 1 cup of the casserole per serving. Pair it with a large side salad to fill up your plate without adding many carbs.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

For the best results, use a high-quality marinara sauce. It’s a key flavor in this dish. You can also try different pasta shapes like rotini or fusilli for a fun twist.

To save time, use pre-cooked chicken. Just add it to the casserole during the last 15 minutes of baking. This will keep the chicken from drying out.

Don’t skip the resting time after baking. It helps the sauce thicken and flavors meld. Your patience will be rewarded!

Leftovers are great for quick meals. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop a serving in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.

You can freeze this casserole too. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating in a 350°F oven until hot.

Try adding veggies like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrients. Mix them in with the pasta before baking for an easy one-dish meal.

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