One-Pan Chicken Parmesan Cook-Up
In search of a quick and easy weeknight dinner idea? Look no further than this shortcut chicken parmesan bake recipe. Made with frozen pre-cooked chicken tenders, this hearty dish offers a convenient and simple alternative to traditional chicken parmesan.
Chicken parmesan is a long-time family favorite, but its lengthy preparation time can be a hindrance on busy evenings. By using pre-cooked chicken tenders, the classic dish can still grace the dinner table with minimal effort.
This shortcut chicken parmesan bake is ideal for quick and easy weeknight dinners when time is limited and a satisfying meal is needed.
Why You'll Love Shortcut Chicken Parmesan Bake
The shortcut chicken parmesan has quickly become a staple in our household due to its ease of preparation and delicious flavor. Here are some reasons why this quick recipe might become a favorite in your home as well.
- Few ingredients: With just five ingredients, this recipe can be prepared in a snap, ideal for busy nights.
- Family-friendly: This dish is perfect for feeding the entire family. It's a hearty meal that has been a hit with my family.
- Cost-effective: Pasta-based meals are an excellent way to save on groceries.
- Customizable: While pre-cooked breaded chicken tenders work well in this dish, shredded rotisserie chicken can be used as an alternative.
Ingredients for Shortcut Chicken Parmesan Bake
This simple shortcut chicken parmesan bake requires only a few ingredients and minimal prep time. Here's what you'll need to gather.
- Pasta (preferably ziti or penne)
- Spaghetti sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Frozen pre-cooked breaded chicken tenders or strips
- Seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasonings)
How to Make Shortcut Chicken Parmesan Bake
Start by preheating your oven and baking the chicken tenders according to package instructions, or opt for cooking them in an air fryer. While the chicken is baking, boil your pasta until it's al dente, drain, and then combine it with pasta sauce (reserving some for later), garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
Once the chicken is cooked, set it aside. Combine the cooked pasta, pasta sauce, and garlic powder in a greased 9x13-inch pan. Place the cooked breaded chicken tenders on top, followed by the rest of the pasta sauce, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasonings.
Bake the dish at 350°F for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese melts and the dish becomes bubbly. Serve with a side salad and green beans or another vegetable of your choice.
Customizing Shortcut Chicken Parmesan Bake
Though we love this chicken casserole as is, there are a few variations you might enjoy.
- You can cook the chicken in an air fryer or bake it in the oven. The chicken will remain crispy while reducing the bake time for the casserole as it is only being warmed and melted in the oven.
- Simply substitute shredded chicken breast or rotisserie chicken for the pre-cooked chicken tenders if you're aiming for a healthier option. Mix the chicken with the pasta and sauce and top with the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Instead of laying the chicken on top of the pasta mixture, you can cut up the chicken tenders and mix them in with the pasta and sauce before spreading them in the casserole dish. Alternatively, you can defrost the frozen chicken tenders in the microwave to save additional time, with the added step of adding some extra minutes to the bake time and increasing the temperature to 375°F.
Just keep in mind that if you decide to skip pre-baking or air frying the chicken, it may not be as crispy as if it were cooked beforehand since it'll be cooked in the pasta and sauce mixture.
Shortcut Chicken Parmesan Bake
This shortcut chicken parmesan bake is a simple and convenient solution for busy weeknights, allowing you to enjoy the classic flavors of chicken parmesan without the extensive preparation time. Give this easy recipe a try, and you'll be rewarded with a hearty, family-friendly meal that's sure to become a staple in your meal plan.
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For a separate list of easy chicken recipes to try, see the list here.
This shortcut chicken parmesan bake is perfect for individuals who seek a simple, quick, and flavorful meal option for their busy weeknights, offering a satisfying alternative to traditional chicken parmesan. With minimal ingredients and preparation time, this dish is also cost-effective and can be easily customized to accommodate dietary preferences, making it a versatile option for various lifestyles, including food-and-drink, home-and-garden, and cooking. You can find more easy chicken recipes to try by exploring our list and following us on Pinterest.
