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Easy Chicken Parmesan Casserole with Penne and Toasted Panko

This chicken parmesan casserole layers penne, rotisserie chicken, marinara, and melty mozzarella under crispy panko. A weeknight favorite!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Chicken, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 760

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Parmesan Casserole
  • 1 lb (450g) penne rigate penne rigate pasta cook 2 minutes shy of al dente
  • 3 cups (420g) shredded rotisserie chicken rotisserie chicken skin and meat, shredded
  • 3 cups (710ml) marinara sauce marinara sauce thick, good quality
  • 2 cups (225g) shredded mozzarella cheese mozzarella low-moisture preferred
  • 1 cup (115g) shredded provolone cheese provolone
  • 1/2 cup (30g) panko breadcrumbs panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons (1 ounce) unsalted butter butter melted
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) extra-virgin olive oil olive oil California-grown if available
  • 1/4 cup (10g) fresh basil basil leaves chopped
  • 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese Parmesan freshly grated
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes red pepper flakes or to taste

Method
 

Prep the Pasta
  1. Heat the oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne and cook for 2 minutes less than the package's al dente time. Drain well and toss with the olive oil to prevent sticking.
  2. In a 9x13-inch baking dish or similar ceramic casserole, stir together the cooked penne, shredded rotisserie chicken, and 2.5 cups of the marinara until everything is evenly coated.
Top and Bake
  1. Spread the remaining 1/2 cup of marinara in a thin, even layer over the pasta mixture.
  2. Scatter the shredded mozzarella and provolone over the sauce, covering the surface completely.
  3. In a small bowl, mix the panko with the melted butter and garlic powder. Sprinkle this buttery panko mixture evenly over the cheese layer.
  4. Bake for 20 minutes, until the casserole is bubbling around the edges. Then switch the oven to broil and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, watching closely, until the cheese is golden brown and the panko is toasted.
Finish and Serve
  1. Remove the hot dish from the oven and shower with fresh basil, grated Parmesan, and red pepper flakes. Scoop into warm bowls with a large serving spoon.

Nutrition

Calories: 760kcalCarbohydrates: 70gProtein: 48gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 105mgSodium: 960mgFiber: 5gSugar: 6g

Notes

Swap rotisserie chicken with leftover roasted or grilled chicken if you prefer.
Use a thick marinara; a watery sauce will make the casserole mushy.
Always undercook the pasta by 2 minutes so it stays firm after baking.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat in a 350°F oven to restore the crispy panko; the microwave works in a pinch.
Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate unbaked; add 10 minutes to the bake time.
Pair with a simple green salad or steamed broccoli to round out the meal.

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