Chicken Parmesan Pasta Casserole

Name: Chicken Parmesan Pasta Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Yield: 10 servings
Cuisine: Italian, American
Ingredients: 2 cups Bread Flour; 1 lb Chicken Breast; 4 whole Eggs; 2 tbsp Garlic Powder; 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese; 48 oz Marinara Sauce; 0.5 cup Red Wine; 16 oz Rotini; 2 cups Seasoned Bread Crumbs; 16 oz Shredded Cheese; 2 cups Vegetable Oil

Dinner 🍽️Lunch 🥪 Italian 🇮🇹American High-Protein 💪Comfort-Food

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Casserole layers crisp breaded chicken with tangy marinara, mozzarella, and Parmesan, all tossed with rotini and baked until bubbly and golden. The contrast of crunchy bites and gooey cheese makes it satisfying and nostalgic, perfect for a cozy family dinner or a potluck crowd-pleaser.

Prep20 mins
Cook1 hr 30 mins
Serves10
DifficultyMedium

1

Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. When boiling, stir in the pasta and return to a boil. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked through but still slightly firm, about 8 minutes. Drain well in a colander set in the sink.
2

Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C), and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
3

Set up a breading station: Place flour, egg, and bread crumbs in three separate bowls. Mix the garlic powder into the bread crumbs. Working in batches, coat the chicken in flour, then dip it in the egg, and finally coat it with bread crumbs.
4

Carefully fry the coated chicken in the hot oil in small batches until golden brown and no longer pink in the center, 3 to 4 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should register at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Drain the fried chicken on paper towels.
5

Combine the cooked pasta, fried chicken, 1/2 of the mozzarella cheese, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese in a large bowl. Stir in the marinara sauce. Pour the red wine into the empty marinara sauce jar; cover and shake the jar, then pour the contents into the bowl of pasta. Stir to combine. Spread the pasta mixture in a large casserole dish and cover with aluminum foil.
6

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the aluminum foil and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of Parmesan. Return to the oven and continue baking until the cheese has melted, about 30 minutes.
7

Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve hot.