Description
This Easy Chicken Pasta Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—rich marinara, juicy chicken, tender pasta, and gooey mozzarella topped with crunchy garlic croutons. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, it’s a family-friendly dish everyone will love.
Ingredients
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3 cups cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or ziti)
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2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie chicken works great)
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2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 cup garlic-flavored croutons, crushed (for extra crunch)
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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Chopped fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Assemble the Casserole: Spread cooked pasta evenly in the baking dish. Layer the chicken over the pasta. Pour marinara sauce over the top, spreading evenly. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Top with crushed garlic croutons.
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Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2-3 minutes.
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Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
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To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.
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Add veggies like spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers for more nutrition.
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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American