Prep Time: 40 mins | Cook Time: 40 mins | Total Time: 1 hr 20 mins | Yield: 5 Servings
I can’t think of any reason why you shouldn’t try this recipe. This is a must-try! In about 1 hour, you will have the best meal ever. Enjoy!
Ingredients:
¾ lb rigatoni pasta
32 ounces marinara sauce
3 c mozzarella cheese, shredded & separated
1/3 c Parmesan cheese, finely grated
2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts
¾ c flour
2 tsp seasoned salt
1/4 tsp pepper
2 Eggs
1 ½ c Italian breadcrumbs
¾ c vegetable oil
2 tbsp butter
Fresh Parsley, to garnish
Directions:
To Prepare the Pasta:
Step 1: Place a large pot with water on the stove and turn the heat to high. Allow the water to boil.
Step 2: Add the rigatoni and cook for 1 minute or until al dente.
Step 3: Drain the pasta and put it back in the pot, then add 32 oz. of sauce, 1 cup of Mozzarella cheese, and 1/3 of Parmesan cheese. Toss until well combined, then set aside.
To prepare the chicken:
Step 1: Use paper towels to pat dry the chicken, then slice them into 1/2-inch-thick small strips.
Step 2: In a small mixing bowl, add 2 teaspoons of seasoned salt, 3/4 cup of flour, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Whisk until well mixed.
Step 3: In another mixing bowl, add 2 eggs. Whisk until creamy.
Step 4: In another mixing bowl, add 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs.
Step 5: Dip each chicken strip into the flour mixture, then to the egg wash, and finally into the crumbs. Slightly flatten the chicken with your palms.
Step 6: Place a pan on the stove and turn the heat to medium-high.
Step 7: Add 1/4-inch of oil and allow it to become hot.
Step 8: Add in the chicken strips and cook each side for 4 minutes or until golden brown. Make sure to cook them in batches and add more oil if needed.
Step 9: Put the fried chicken strips on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 10: Slice the fried chicken strips into bite-sized cuts.
Assemble the Casserole and Bake:
Step 1: Prepare the oven and preheat to 190 degrees C or 375 degrees F.
Step 2: Apply cooking spray in a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Step 3: Spread 1/2 of the rigatoni and sauce on the bottom, then place 1/2 of the chicken strips on top as well as 1 cup of Mozzarella cheese and 1/3 Parmesan cheese.
Step 4: Repeat step 3 until everything is arranged in layers.
Step 5: Place the casserole dish inside the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes or until done. (For a crispier top, adjust the heat to 425 degrees F and bake for another 5 minutes.)
Step 6: Remove from the oven and sprinkle fresh parsley on top.
Step 7: Serve hot with your Cheesy homemade garlic bread. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 740kcal | Carbohydrates: 80g | Protein: 42g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 122mg | Sodium: 2645mg | Potassium: 1025mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 1388IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 502mg | Iron: 5mg
