Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 14.5 ounces Penne Pasta
- 24 ounces Marinara Sauce
- 3 cups Water
Chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds Thin Cut Chicken Breast
Toppings
- 1 cup Panko Bread Crumbs
- 1 3/4 cups Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Salt with Parsley (optional, for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Add Pasta and Water: Pour the 3 cups of water into the baking dish, then add the penne pasta evenly over the water.
- Incorporate Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce over the pasta and water mixture, stirring gently to combine evenly.
- Layer Chicken: Place the thin-cut chicken breasts on top of the pasta and sauce mixture, ensuring they are spread out and partially submerged.
- Cover Dish: Tightly cover the pan with aluminum foil to trap moisture and help the pasta and chicken cook thoroughly.
- Bake Casserole: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-45 minutes or until the pasta is tender and the chicken is cooked through. Begin checking for tenderness around 30 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Toppings: Carefully remove the foil and sprinkle shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, and panko bread crumbs evenly over the casserole. Optionally, sprinkle garlic salt with parsley for added flavor.
- Final Bake: Return the casserole to the oven uncovered, and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Notes
- Check the chicken’s internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- If you prefer less crunchy topping, reduce the amount of panko or omit the garlic salt.
- Thin-cut chicken breasts cook faster; if thicker cuts are used, increase bake time accordingly.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This recipe can be made with gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Fat
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/12th of casserole)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
