Chicken Nugget Casserole Recipe
This Chicken Nugget Casserole Recipe combines crispy popcorn chicken, tender pasta, marinara sauce, and a generous layer of melty mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Baked until golden and bubbly, it’s a hearty and family-friendly dish perfect for any night of the week.
8 Servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound frozen popcorn chicken
- 1 pound pasta penne, rotini, or ziti recommended
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil optional
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with non-stick spray or butter.
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta thoroughly and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
Combine the Ingredients:
- To the cooked pasta, add the frozen popcorn chicken, marinara sauce, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and the grated parmesan cheese. Stir the mixture until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with sauce and cheese.
Assemble the Casserole:
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top, ensuring full coverage.
Bake the Casserole:
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling, the cheese has melted, and the top is lightly golden.
Cool and Garnish:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh basil for added flavor and color, if desired.
Notes
To prepare a gluten-free version of this Chicken Nugget Casserole Recipe:
- Use gluten-free pasta in place of traditional pasta. Varieties such as rice-based or chickpea-based pasta work well.
- Replace the frozen popcorn chicken with a gluten-free alternative, ensuring it is labeled gluten-free.
- Verify the marinara sauce and all packaged cheeses are gluten-free, as certain brands may include gluten-containing additives.