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Crispy Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake

Crispy Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake - featured image
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A quick and comforting pasta bake featuring crispy breaded chicken strips layered over cheesy marinara pasta, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450 g), sliced into strips
  • 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 8 oz (225 g) penne pasta or rigatoni
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup ricotta cheese (optional)
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh basil or parsley
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz (225 g) penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. In one bowl, beat the egg. In another, combine 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs, ½ cup grated Parmesan, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
  4. Dip each chicken strip into the beaten egg, then press into the breadcrumb mixture until well coated.
  5. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry chicken strips in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  6. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, 2 cups marinara sauce, 1½ cups shredded mozzarella, and ½ cup ricotta (if using). Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Stir in chopped fresh basil or parsley.
  7. Pour half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Arrange half of the crispy chicken strips on top. Layer the remaining pasta, then top with the rest of the chicken.
  8. Place dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken remains crispy.
  9. Let the bake rest for 5 minutes before serving to let flavors meld and the cheese set slightly.

Notes

Pound chicken strips to even thickness for even cooking. Do not overcrowd the pan when frying to maintain crispiness. Undercook pasta slightly to avoid mushiness after baking. Broil for 2-3 minutes at the end if chicken loses crispiness. Gluten-free and dairy-free substitutions are possible.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken parmesan, pasta bake, crispy chicken, cheesy pasta, easy dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/crispy-chicken-parmesan-pasta-bake-recipe-easy-cheesy-dinner-idea/