Shortcut 5-Ingredient Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe Has a Surprise Ingredient by Chef Gigi

Craving chicken parmesan but not in the mood for all the time it requires to prepare and cook? Try this chicken nugget parmesan casserole recipe! This quick and easy Italian-inspired recipe has all the cheesy love, but with simple shortcuts to reduce all that cooking time and effort on our part.

To make this shortcut chicken parmesan you will need elbow macaroni, marinara sauce, frozen chicken nuggets, mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Yes, chicken nuggets! This convenience item helps makes this dish come together quickly. The pasta dish cooks casserole-style in the oven. This gives you time to make a side dish or throw together a quick salad. 

Serve this tasty pasta casserole for dinner on busy weeknights or as a treat on the weekend. It will soon become a family favorite.

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Cuisine: American / Italian
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 75 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 3/4 pound elbow macaroni
• 2 jars (24 ounces each) marinara sauce (divided)
• 2 pounds frozen chicken nuggets (divided)
• 4 cups shredded mozzarella (divided)
• 1 cup finely grated Parmesan (divided)

Helpful Products

• Measuring Cups
• Salt and Pepper
• Baking Dishes
• Grater
• Nonstick Cooking Spray
• Aluminum Foil
• Pasta Pot

Recipe Notes

• You could use another short pasta like fusilli cavatappi, rotini, penne or your favorite.

• For some spice, add a little crushed red pepper flakes.

Here's how to make it:

1. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta for 2 to 3 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain and transfer to a large bowl. Add one jar of marinara sauce and toss to coat.
2. Layer half of the pasta mixture into the bottom of a greased 12x9-inch baking dish (or similar size). Arrange 2 cups chicken nuggets in a single layer over the top. Scoop half of the remaining marinara sauce over the nuggets. Sprinkle with half the mozzarella and half the Parmesan. Top with remaining pasta mixture and 2 cups nuggets.
3. Cover the baking dish with foil. Bake in a preheated 350-degree F oven until warmed through, about 45 minutes.
4. Top with remaining marinara sauce, mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake until cheese is melted and golden, 10 to 15 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil, if desired.

Nutrition Facts Per Serving

Calories: 308

Total Fat: 17.1g

Saturated Fat: 6g

Cholesterol: 38mg

Sodium: 1012mg

Total Carbohydrate: 21.2g

Dietary Fiber: 2.9g

Total Sugars: 6.2g

Protein: 17.3g

Vitamin D: 0mcg

Calcium: 230mg

Iron: 2mg

Potassium: 88mg

Recipe cooking times, nutritional information and servings are approximate and provided for your convenience. However, 30Seconds is not responsible for the outcome of any recipe, nor may you have the same results because of variations in ingredients, temperatures, altitude, errors, omissions or cooking/baking abilities. This recipe has been analyzed by VeryWellFit. However, any nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and it is up to the individual to ascertain accuracy. To ensure image quality, we may occasionally use stock photography.

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