Chicken Nugget Parm Casserole

By Laura RegePublished: Jan 6, 2023

4.4

10 Ratings

PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Yields:

8 serving(s)

Prep Time:

10 mins

Total Time:

1 hr 30 mins

Cal/Serv:

778

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Craving chicken Parm but not in the mood for all the time it requires to prepare this labor of love dish? Opt for our chicken nugget Parmesan casserole instead. This comforting dish has all the cheesy flavor you know and crave, but with simple shortcuts to cut down on all that cooking time (and effort). Store-bought chicken nuggets are a much faster swap-in for breading and pan-frying chicken cutlets—just layer them in between cheesy pasta, then top it with more chicken nuggets, more sauce (store-bought for ease), and cheese for an irresistible presentation.

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Ingredients

Cooking spray
Kosher salt
3/4 lb.
rigatoni or other short pasta
2
(24-oz.) jars marinara sauce, divided
2
(1-lb.) bags frozen chicken nuggets, divided
4 cups
shredded mozzarella (about 1 lb.), divided
6 Tbsp.
finely grated Parmesan, divided
Chopped fresh basil, for serving

Directions

1. Step 1Preheat oven to 375º. Grease an 11"-by-8" baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Step 2In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta, stirring occasionally, until very al dente, usually 2 to 3 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and transfer to a large bowl. Add 1 jar marinara sauce and toss to coat.
3. Step 3Layer half of pasta mixture into bottom of prepared dish. Arrange 2 cups chicken nuggets in a single layer over top. Dollop half of remaining marinara sauce over nuggets. Sprinkle with 2 cups mozzarella and 3 tablespoons Parmesan. Top with remaining pasta mixture and 2 cups nuggets.
4. Step 4Tightly cover baking dish in foil. Bake casserole until warmed through, 40 to 45 minutes.
5. Step 5Top with remaining marinara sauce, 2 cups mozzarella, and 3 tablespoons Parmesan. Continue to bake until cheese is melted and golden, 10 to 15 minutes. Top with basil.