You know those nights when the clock is ticking, the kids are buzzing, and the thought of making a complicated dinner feels like climbing Mount Everest? Yeah, I’ve been there more times than I can count. That’s exactly how I stumbled upon this absolute gem: the Delicious Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake Easy Dinner. It’s become my go-to for a reason – it’s ridiculously simple, packed with all those comforting chicken parm flavors we love, and it always, *always* gets devoured. Seriously, I first threw this together on a whim when I had a ton of leftover chicken and a serious craving for something hearty, and it just *worked*. It’s proof that you don’t need a million ingredients or hours in the kitchen to create a dinner that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Why You’ll Love This Delicious Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake Easy Dinner
Honestly, this dish is a weeknight warrior! Here’s why it’s become a staple in my house:
- Super Speedy Prep: Seriously, with mostly pre-cooked ingredients, you can have this in the oven in about 15 minutes.
- Crowd-Pleaser Guaranteed: What’s not to love? Chicken parm flavors, pasta, gooey cheese – it’s a winner with everyone from picky eaters to adults.
- Minimal Mess: It’s pretty much a one-bowl situation before it hits the oven, meaning less cleanup for you!
- Comfort Food Heaven: It’s warm, cheesy, and hearty – the perfect meal to wind down with after a long day.
Ingredients for Your Delicious Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake Easy Dinner
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! This recipe is pretty straightforward, which is part of why I love it so much. You probably have most of this stuff lurking in your pantry or fridge right now. If you’re out of marinara, trust me, you’ve GOT to try making your own – this homemade marinara sauce recipe is a game-changer!
Here’s what you’ll need hanging around:
- 1 pound of your favorite pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni work great!)
- 1 pound cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken is my secret weapon here, but leftover baked chicken is perfect too!)
- 24 ounces of a good marinara sauce (use your favorite jarred or that homemade goodness!)
- 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese (get the pre-shredded kind, no judgment here!)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to your taste
How to Prepare Your Delicious Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake Easy Dinner
Okay, mamas and papas, let’s get this comforting casserole into the oven! Honestly, watching this bake come together feels like a little bit of kitchen magic, and it smells incredible while it’s happening. I love that you can toss pretty much everything into one bowl before it even sees the baking dish. If you’re ever grilling chicken for another meal, keep some aside for this – or heck, grab a rotisserie chicken to make it even faster! You could even whip up some yummy glazed chicken to toss in; this BBQ chicken recipe would be a fun twist, though a little different flavor profile!
Preheating and Pasta Prep
First things first, let’s get that oven warmed up. You’ll want to preheat it to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is doing its thing, get a big pot of water boiling for your pasta. Cook your pasta according to the package directions, but here’s the secret: aim for *al dente*. You want it slightly undercooked because it’s going to finish cooking in the oven, and nobody likes mushy pasta, right?
Combining Ingredients for the Bake
Once your pasta is drained and still a little warm, dump it into your biggest mixing bowl. Now, toss in that shredded cooked chicken – whatever kind you have works! Pour in the marinara sauce, drizzle in that tablespoon of olive oil, and give it a good sprinkle of salt and pepper. You just gently stir it all together until everything is nicely coated. Make sure the chicken and pasta are all happily mingling with that yummy sauce.
Assembling and Baking Your Delicious Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake
Time to get this into its cozy spot! Pour that pasta mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly so you don’t have weird hot or cold spots. Now for the best part: the cheese! Sprinkle that shredded mozzarella all over the top, making sure you get it to the edges. Then, give it a good dusting of grated Parmesan cheese. Pop that dish into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is all melted, golden, and delightfully bubbly around the edges.
Resting and Serving
I know, I know, it smells *so* good right now that you want to dive right in! But trust me on this one: let it rest for about 5 to 10 minutes after it comes out of the oven. This little pause lets everything set up so it’s easier to serve and holds its shape. Serve up generous portions, and maybe with a little side salad or some garlic bread if you’re feeling fancy. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Delicious Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake Easy Dinner
Okay, so this dish is already pretty foolproof, but sometimes you just want to jazz things up a bit or make it work *even better* for your busy life. I’ve totally tweaked this recipe over time, and here are a few of my favorite little tricks to make it *chef’s kiss* every single time. It’s always fun to experiment, right? If you’re looking for more fun chicken ideas, this potato chip chicken is a huge hit with my kids, totally different but delicious for a weeknight! And if you’re craving something lighter but still with that chicken goodness, have you tried this amazing chicken pesto sandwich? It’s perfect for lunch!
Ingredient Swaps and Additions
Swapping out cheeses is super easy! If you’re not a huge mozzarella fan, provolone adds a great nutty flavor, or a little bit of sharp cheddar can be interesting. For pasta, feel free to use whatever shape you have on hand – just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold up to baking. Want to sneak in some veggies? My favorite is spinach; just toss about 2 cups of fresh spinach into the pasta mixture before you add the sauce – it wilts down perfectly. Diced bell peppers or mushrooms are great too, just maybe sauté them a little beforehand so they soften up nicely.
Making Ahead and Freezing
This is a lifesaver! You can totally assemble the whole thing, cover it tightly with foil, and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before you bake it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. If you want to freeze it, assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover it really well with plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake from frozen, remove the plastic wrap, keep the foil on, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-60 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until bubbly. It’s nice knowing dinner is already done!
Frequently Asked Questions About This Easy Dinner
Got questions about making this simple, delicious chicken parmesan pasta bake? I’ve got you covered!
Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne, rotini, rigatoni, or even elbow macaroni work great. Just make sure it’s cooked al dente, as it’ll soften more in the oven.
What if I don’t have cooked chicken?
No problem! You can easily cook about a pound of raw chicken breasts or thighs, shred them, and then use them. Or, try ground chicken cooked with some Italian seasoning!
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Easily! Opt for a spicy marinara sauce or stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes with your seasonings before baking.
Nutritional Information Estimate
Just a heads-up, this is an *estimated* nutritional breakdown per serving. It can honestly vary a little depending on the exact brands of pasta, chicken, and sauce you use. But generally, you’re looking at around:
Calories: 550
Fat: 25g
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 4g
It’s a solid, hearty meal that will definitely keep you feeling full and satisfied!
Print
Easy Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake
- Total Time: 40 min
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious baked pasta dish featuring chicken parmesan flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta
- 1 pound cooked chicken, shredded
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, marinara sauce, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Top evenly with mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.
- Add your favorite vegetables like spinach or bell peppers.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: chicken parmesan, pasta bake, easy dinner, baked pasta, chicken recipe