Description
This Chicken Nugget Parm Casserole is a comforting, family-friendly baked pasta dish combining crispy chicken nuggets, tender rigatoni, hearty marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Layered and baked until bubbly and golden, it’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a fun twist on classic chicken parmesan made simple and kid-approved.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce
- 3/4 lb. rigatoni or other short pasta
- 2 (24-oz.) jars marinara sauce, divided
- Kosher salt, for boiling water
Chicken and Cheese
- 2 (1-lb.) bags frozen chicken nuggets, divided
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (about 1 lb.), divided
- 6 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Other
- Cooking spray, for greasing baking dish
- Chopped fresh basil, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC). Grease an 11″-by-8″ baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook, stirring occasionally, until very al dente—about 2 to 3 minutes less than the package directions. Drain well and transfer to a large bowl. Add 1 jar (24 oz) of marinara sauce and toss the pasta gently to coat it evenly.
- Assemble first layer: Spread half of the sauced pasta evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange half of the frozen chicken nuggets (about 2 cups) in a single layer over the pasta. Dollop half of the remaining marinara sauce over the nuggets, then sprinkle with 2 cups of shredded mozzarella and 3 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Assemble second layer and cover: Add the remaining pasta mixture on top of the first layer, spreading evenly. Follow by arranging the remaining chicken nuggets (about 2 cups) over the pasta. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and heat evenly.
- Bake the casserole: Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the chicken nuggets are cooked.
- Add final cheese and bake: Remove the foil carefully. Spread the remaining marinara sauce over the casserole, then top with the remaining 2 cups mozzarella and 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the top before serving warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce before layering.
- Use gluten-free pasta if you require a gluten-free version.
- Frozen chicken nuggets can be swapped with homemade or pre-cooked chicken strips as a healthier alternative.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to set before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
