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Italian Chicken Casserole

This Italian chicken casserole is warm, cheesy, and full of rich tomato flavor. Made with tender chicken, pasta, and simple ingredients, it is an easy and comforting meal perfect for busy nights and family dinners everyone will enjoy
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Casserole, Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 355
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Casserole
  • 2 cups cooked chicken shredded or chopped
  • 2 cups cooked pasta such as penne or rotini
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes drained
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated
  • 1/2 cup spinach chopped, fresh or thawed
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Equipment

  • Baking Dish
  • Skillet

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 F and lightly grease a baking dish.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a pan, then cook the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add the cooked chicken, marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, spinach, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir gently until everything is well mixed.
  4. Mix in the cooked pasta and half of the mozzarella cheese. Stir until evenly coated.
  5. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
  6. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and the parmesan cheese over the top.
  7. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
  8. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving so it sets nicely.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta before baking, since it will continue cooking in the oven. Keep the sauce balanced so the casserole stays rich and not watery. You can use leftover or rotisserie chicken for convenience, and the dish can be assembled ahead and refrigerated for up to 1 day before baking. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.