Just 5 ingredients needed to make this irresistible Chicken Parmesan Casserole. Save time by using frozen chicken tenders and store-bought marinara sauce.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Bring a large pot of water to boil. Cook pasta until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Dice the crispy chicken strips into bite-sized chunks. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced chicken, marinara sauce (less one cup), 2 cups of mozzarella, and ½ cup of parmesan.
Pour the pasta mixture into a large casserole dish. Top with remaining marinara sauce and cheeses. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and warm. To brown the top, increase the temperature to 425 degrees and bake for about 5 more minutes.
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Notes
Recipe Tips:
Use a high quality marinara sauce for this recipe. Homemade is a great option, but if using store-bought try a brand like Rao's for maximum flavor.
Cook the pasta until just al dente (see box instructions) so that you don't end up with a mushy casserole.
Frozen crispy chicken tenders are a great shortcut for this recipe. Make sure you buy the brand that is precooked. Thaw the chicken, or microwave for a minute, to make cutting easier.
Make the meal complete by adding two cups of cooked veggies, like broccoli, to the casserole.
To make ahead, prepare the entire dish and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.