Ingredients
✓ 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
✓ 2 cups marinara sauce
✓ 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
✓ 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
✓ 1 teaspoon dried oregano
✓ 1 teaspoon garlic powder
✓ 1 teaspoon onion powder
✓ ½ teaspoon salt
✓ ½ teaspoon black pepper
✓ 1 cup cooked pasta
✓ Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
✓ Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
✓ In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
✓ Rub this seasoning blend evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
✓ Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
✓ Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through and slightly golden.
✓ Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
✓ In the same skillet, add the marinara sauce and simmer for 2-3 minutes to warm through.
✓ Cut each chicken breast into thick slices and arrange them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
✓ Pour the warm marinara sauce over the chicken.
✓ Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce and chicken.
✓ Add the cooked pasta if using, and distribute it on top.
✓ Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese on top, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese.
✓ Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
✓ Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
✓ Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
For a crispier top, broil for the last 2 minutes of baking. If you don’t have cooked pasta, you can add raw pasta directly to the sauce and cook it in the casserole for 10-15 minutes before adding cheese. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 45
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 520
- Fat: 22
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 32