Description
This Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish combining tender campanelle pasta, crispy popcorn chicken, and rich cheeses baked together in a flavorful blend of vodka and marinara sauces. It’s perfect for a family dinner, delivering the beloved flavors of classic chicken parmesan in an easy-to-prepare casserole form.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Chicken
- 1 (16-oz) campanelle pasta
- 1 (24-oz) bag frozen popcorn chicken
Sauces and Cheese
- 1 (24-oz) jar vodka sauce
- 1 (24-oz) jar marinara sauce
- 3 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1½ cups grated parmesan cheese, divided
Seasonings
- 4 tsp dried parsley
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 350ºF (177ºC). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the campanelle pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Mix Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the vodka sauce, ricotta cheese, dried parsley, and ½ cup of grated parmesan cheese. Add the cooked pasta and frozen popcorn chicken to the bowl, stirring gently to mix all ingredients evenly. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Layer the Casserole: Pour half of the marinara sauce into the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Spread half of the pasta mixture over the sauce. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and ½ cup of grated parmesan cheese evenly over this layer. Pour the remaining marinara sauce on top. Spread the remaining pasta mixture over the sauce, and finish by topping with the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is fully melted and golden on top.
- Garnish and Serve: After baking, sprinkle additional dried parsley or fresh basil over the casserole for a fresh garnish. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting Chicken Parmesan Casserole!
Notes
- Using frozen popcorn chicken saves prep time and adds a crispy texture.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your preference, especially since cheeses and sauces may vary in saltiness.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a lower-fat version, use part-skim ricotta and reduce the amount of mozzarella.
- Fresh basil can be substituted for dried parsley for a different herbal flavor.
