Description
Discover the delicious and hearty Italian Chicken Casserole, a comforting uno dish blending tender chicken, savory Italian seasonings, pasta, and melted cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners and meal prep, this easy casserole recipe is a crowd-pleaser with rich flavors and simple preparation.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 1 box (16 oz) pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup spinach or kale (optional for added greens)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta until al dente, drain and set aside. Prepare chicken if needed.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté garlic and Italian seasoning for 1 minute. Add marinara sauce and simmer. Incorporate greens if desired.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, chicken, and sauce. Mix thoroughly. Transfer to a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle mozzarella, Parmesan, and additional Italian seasoning on top. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until cheese bubbles and turns golden. Broil for 2-3 minutes for extra crispness, if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- Use store-bought cooked chicken to save time.
- This dish can be assembled in advance, covered, and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Frozen casserole can be baked directly from frozen with extended baking time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420 Kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 105mg