Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a delightful twist on the classic Italian-American dish, combining tender chicken strips, rich tomato sauce, and creamy cheeses into a comforting and satisfying casserole. This recipe is designed to be both flavorful and easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for family dinners or special occasions. Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide to creating the best Chicken Parmesan Casserole you’ve ever tasted.
Ingredients and Preparations
Before we begin, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients and prepare them for cooking. This ensures a smooth cooking process and enhances the flavors of the dish.
Pasta Preparation
To start, you’ll need rigatoni pasta for this casserole, which is ideal for absorbing the rich sauce and holding the cheese and chicken. Here’s how to prepare it:
Boil Water: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add a generous amount of salt to the water to enhance the pasta’s flavor.
Cook the Rigatoni: Add the rigatoni to the boiling water and cook for 1 minute less than the al dente time indicated on the package. This ensures the pasta doesn’t become too soft during baking.
Drain and Toss: Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Toss it with 32 oz. of your favorite tomato sauce, 1/3 of the Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of mozzarella. This mixture serves as the base layer of your casserole.
Chicken Preparation
For the chicken, you’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Here’s the method to prepare them:
Pat Dry and Slice: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Cut the chicken into strips about ½ inch thick.
Breading Station: Set up an assembly line with three bowls:
Bowl #1: Combine 3/4 cup flour, 2 tsp seasoned salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper.
Bowl #2: Whisk two eggs until well beaten.
Bowl #3: Pour 1.5 cups of breadcrumbs.
