Description
A hearty and savory bake combining rigatoni pasta, crispy chicken strips, marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3/4 pound rigatoni pasta
- 32 oz. marinara sauce (or up to 48 oz. for saucier pasta)
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3/4 cup flour
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups Italian breadcrumbs
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- Fresh parsley, to garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook for 1 minute less than the package instructions suggest for al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and toss it with 32 oz. of marinara sauce, 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Set aside.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and slice them into 1/2-inch strips. To create a breading station, prepare three bowls: one with flour mixed with seasoned salt and pepper, another with whisked eggs, and the last filled with breadcrumbs. Dredge the chicken in flour, dip it into the egg mixture, and coat it thoroughly with breadcrumbs.
- Heat 1/4 inch of vegetable oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the chicken strips until golden brown, about 4 minutes per side. Let them drain on paper towels and slice into smaller pieces.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish. Add half of the rigatoni mixture to the bottom of the dish, followed by half of the sliced chicken, 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
- Bake uncovered for 25 minutes. For an extra-crispy top, increase the oven temperature to 425°F and bake for an additional 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Use fresh ingredients for optimal flavor. Customize with your favorite vegetables or seasonings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg