Description
A cozy, one-dish casserole combining tender penne pasta, juicy chicken, and a rich marinara sauce topped with melt-in-your-mouth mozzarella and Parmesan. Ready in 45 minutes, perfect for family dinners or meal prepping.
Ingredients
12 ounces penne pasta
2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
3 cups marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup plain panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more for pasta water)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook pasta 1 minute less than package instructions. Drain.
Mix panko breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup Parmesan, and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a small bowl.
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet. Cook garlic 30 seconds, then add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer 3-4 minutes.
In the baking dish, layer cooked pasta, cooked chicken, and marinara sauce.
Sprinkle 1/2 cup remaining mozzarella and 1/2 cup Parmesan on top.
Bake 15-20 minutes until bubbling and golden.
Let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with basil/parsley and serve.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
Substitute ziti or rotini pasta if penne is unavailable.
Freezes well for meal prep—freeze unbaked and bake directly from frozen.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg