Simple Chicken Parmesan Casserole: Easy Meals for Busy Moms
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Do you ever find yourself in a dinner rut, scrambling to find a meal that’s quick, easy, and something the whole family will love? Look no further than this Simple Chicken Parmesan Casserole. Unlike traditional chicken parmesan, all you need is just five main ingredients and minimal prep time. You’ll have a delicious one-dish dinner from an easy recipe on the table in no time (think of an easier version of a classic chicken parmesan dish). And if you know me, you know I love simple meals that are easy to whip up because of mom life. So, let’s dive into this family favorite that’s sure to become a staple in your household too!
This post may contain affiliate links from which I receive a commission if you click or make a purchase. In addition, the information on this site is NOT intended to be medical advice. Please seek professional medical care if needed. See my full policy for more information.
Why You’ll Love This Simple Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 5 minutes of prep time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights and perfect to pair with some garlic bread and a side salad. From start to finish, it’ll be ready in 30-35 minutes!
- Kid-Friendly: The cheesy, saucy goodness mixed with cooked chicken is sure to be a hit with the little ones.
- Customizable: Add more sauce, chicken, or cheese to suit your family’s taste.
- Perfect for Leftovers: This casserole tastes just as good the next day, making meal planning a breeze.
Ingredients
- ½ lb (8 oz) rigatoni noodles, cooked al dente
- 29 oz bag breaded chicken tenders (you can also make your chicken strips from scratch, but just know it will add additional time to this meal)
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 24 oz of your favorite pasta sauce
Simple Chicken Parmesan Casserole Instructions
1) Cook Your Chicken Strips: Preheat your oven and cook the chicken tenders according to the package directions.
2) Cook the Pasta: While the chicken is cooking, fill a large pot halfway with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Add the rigatoni noodles and cook for about 10-12 minutes, until they are al dente. Strain the noodles and set them aside.
3) Prepare the Chicken for The Casserole: Once the chicken is done cooking, cut each tender into 4-5 smaller pieces.
4) Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cooked pasta, pasta sauce, *optional* Italian seasoning, and half of the mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Gently toss to combine.
5) Layer the Casserole: If you’re not using a non-stick casserole dish, spray a 9×13 inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray. Add half of the pasta mixture to the dish and spread it out evenly. Then, add half of the chicken pieces and sprinkle with half of the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Repeat these layers one more time.
6) Bake: Heat your oven to 375 degrees and bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7) Serve and Enjoy: Serve the casserole hot and enjoy a delicious meal with your family!
Tips for Your Simple Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Aside from this being one of my favorite weeknight meals because of its ease to prep and bake, it’s also one of my kid’s favorite meals too! One thing I plan to do next time is use more seasonings like maybe some fresh basil, garlic powder, and oregano. I also want to try making this in a lighter version with some leftover rotisserie chicken mixed with a small amount of panko bread crumbs to add the crunch without adding too many calories.
There are lots of ways you can customize this simple parmesan chicken casserole to make it perfect for your family, so I can’t wait to hear how you add your own spin to this recipe! Check out even more tips below for other ways to customize this recipe.
- Customize Your Casserole: Feel free to add extra sauce, use different noodles, add in another protein, or add more cheese to make this dish even more indulgent.
- Make it Easier: As if this dish couldn’t get easier, it can. You can use already-cooked & seasoned rotisserie chicken or already-cooked chicken tenders to speed up the process.
- Storage: Cover and refrigerate any leftovers. This casserole keeps well and can be enjoyed for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Lower Calories: If eating easy meals that are lower in calories is important, swap crispy chicken for boneless skinless chicken breasts, swap your pasta sauce for a low-calorie or low-sugar pasta sauce, and swap your pasta for a chickpea or cauliflower pasta instead.
- Make It Ahead: Prepare the casserole in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. When you’re ready to eat, simply bake it as directed above.
There you have it, a simple yet satisfying Chicken Parmesan Casserole that’s perfect for busy moms looking to whip up a family-friendly meal in no time. This recipe is bound to become a favorite in your home, offering a comforting and delicious dinner option with minimal fuss. Enjoy
Did you make this recipe?
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