Shortcut Chicken Parmesan Bake
This shortcut chicken parmesan bake uses frozen chicken tenders for a super easy weeknight casserole that everyone will enjoy.
Equipment
- 9x13 inch Baking Dish
- Pot
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 bag frozen fully cooked breaded chicken tenders or strips
- 1 box (16-ounce) pasta penne or ziti
- 1 jar pasta sauce divided
- 1 package (8-ounce) mozzarella cheese shredded
- ⅓ cup parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bake or air fry frozen chicken tenders or strips according to the directions on the package. (see notes for alternate ideas)
- Boil pasta (al dente) as directed on box, then drain.
- Preheat oven to 350° F and grease 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Combine the cooked pasta with about ⅔ spaghetti sauce in a mixing bowl, then add garlic powder along with the salt and pepper.
- Add the pasta and sauce to the baking dish, spread it out so it fills the dish.
- Place cooked chicken tenders on top of the pasta and add the remaining ⅓ of pasta sauce over the chicken
- Sprinkle the entire bag of mozzarella over the top of the pasta and chicken.
- Lastly, sprinkle the parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning over the top of the casserole.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is warmed through.
Notes
- Although we like our chicken tenders/strips to lay over the top of the pasta as it feels like traditional chicken parmesan to us, you can always cut up your chicken tenders and mix them throughout your pasta before adding your cheese if you prefer.
- This recipe also works with leftover chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken. Simply substitute the frozen pre-cooked chicken tenders with shredded chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken, mixing it with the pasta and sauce. Then, top with cheese and bake.
- You can also skip cooking your chicken ahead of time in order to do this you will have to increase your oven to 375° and cook your casserole for 30-35 minutes. Be aware that your chicken won't be as crispy because it cooks in the pasta and sauce mixture.