Quick Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake

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Weeknights can be a whirlwind, but that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice delicious, comforting meals. If you're craving the cheesy, saucy goodness of classic Chicken Parmesan without the fuss of breading and frying, then this Quick Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake is your new best friend. It brings all those beloved flavors into one easy, hearty casserole that the whole family will adore. Prep time is minimal, thanks to a few clever shortcuts, making it perfect for those busy evenings.

Here's what you'll need:

  • 12 ounces penne or ziti pasta
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works perfectly!)
  • 24 ounces marinara sauce (your favorite jarred brand)
  • 1 cup chicken broth (or water)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (or 2 cloves minced fresh garlic)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking chicken if not pre-cooked)
  • Fresh basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Let's get cooking!

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cooked chicken, marinara sauce, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir gently until everything is well coated.
  4. Add 1/2 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese to the pasta mixture and stir to combine.
  5. Pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  6. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top of the pasta. Then, sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese over the mozzarella for that golden crust.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. If you like it extra browned, you can briefly broil it for the last minute or two, watching carefully.
  8. Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips and Variations:

  • Chicken Shortcuts: Using a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is the ultimate time-saver. Leftover cooked chicken (baked, grilled, or pan-fried) also works wonderfully. If you don't have cooked chicken, quickly sauté diced chicken breast in a little olive oil until cooked through before adding to the pasta.
  • Add Veggies: Feel free to stir in some fresh spinach, diced bell peppers, or sliced mushrooms with the pasta mixture for an extra boost of nutrition and flavor.
  • Spice It Up: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.
  • Cheese Please: Experiment with other cheeses! A layer of provolone under the mozzarella can add another dimension of flavor.
  • Make Ahead: This dish is great for meal prep! Assemble the entire casserole (without baking), cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it will be going into the oven cold.

There you have it – a hearty, comforting, and incredibly easy meal that brings the joy of Chicken Parmesan to your table in a fraction of the time. This Quick Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake is destined to become a regular in your weeknight dinner rotation, promising smiles and full bellies with minimal effort. Give it a try tonight and taste the delicious simplicity!

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