Description
A comforting and easy Chicken Parmesan Bake featuring crispy breaded chicken tenders combined with penne pasta, rich tomato sauces, and melted cheeses, baked to golden perfection. This family-friendly casserole is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that requires minimal prep and delivers hearty Italian flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 lb (6 to 8 strips) frozen fully cooked breaded chicken tenders (Tyson Crispy Chicken Strips recommended)
Pasta
- 1 (16-ounce) box penne pasta
Sauces & Cheese
- 1 (24-ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 (8-ounce) package shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken and Pasta: Prepare the frozen breaded chicken tenders according to package instructions until fully cooked and crispy. Simultaneously, cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain pasta when done.
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Sauces and Pasta: In a large bowl, combine the cooked and drained penne pasta with the jarred spaghetti sauce and canned tomato sauce, stirring until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce mixture.
- Assemble the Bake: Pour the sauced pasta into the prepared casserole dish. Evenly sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the pasta layer. Chop the cooked chicken tenders into approximately 1-inch pieces and distribute them evenly on top of the pasta mixture.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Cover the chicken and pasta with the shredded mozzarella cheese. Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the dish is heated thoroughly and the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Notes
- You can substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or rotini based on preference.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes into the sauce mixture before assembling.
- Leftovers keep well for 3-4 days refrigerated and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese if possible for enhanced flavor.
- Ensure the chicken is fully cooked before chopping to maintain safety and texture.
