Ingredients

The following ingredients have 8 Servings
  • 16 oz. penne pasta
  • 2 cups cooked bite-size chicken pieces or shredded chicken
  • 4 cups marinara sauce  (can use store bought sauce)
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese (divided)
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (optional)

Instruction

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Salt the water and cook the pasta according to package directions. Rinse and drain the pasta in a colander.
  • Pour pasta back into the pot and add the cooked chicken, marinara sauce, 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, and 1/2 cup parmesan cheese. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste.
  • In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and panko bread crumbs and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let cool.
  • Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Pour the pasta mixture evenly into the pan. Top with the remaining 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella cheese. Mix the remaining 1/2 cup parmesan cheese into the panko bread crumbs. Sprinkle panko mixture over the top of the pasta. Spray a large piece of foil with nonstick cooking spray and cover the pasta dish.
  • Bake for 30 minutes. Carefully remove the foil from the pan and bake until the pasta is bubbly and panko topping is golden brown, about 5-10 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired.
  • Note-if you don't have leftover cooked chicken or shredded chicken, cut 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite size pieces and cook in olive oil until cooked through. Season with salt and pepper.