Ingredients

The following ingredients have 6 Servings
  • 10 oz penne pasta cooked and drained (about ⅔ standard box/bag)
  • 2 jars marinara sauce (24-ounces)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ cup chopped fresh basil ( divided)
  • 1-2 medium tomatoes (diced)
  • 2 cups diced, cooked chicken ((chicken breast or rotisserie))
  • 3 cups grated mozzarella cheese
  • 4 tablespoons salted butter (melted)
  • ¾ cup herbed bread crumbs
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese

Instruction

  • Cook pasta to al dente according to package instructions.  Drain pasta and spread across the bottom of a 9x13 glass baking dish.
  • Pour one 24 oz. jar of marinara sauce and one teaspoon of Italian seasoning over the pasta.
  • Add ¼ cup chopped basil and diced tomatoes to the baking dish and stir to distribute ingredients evenly.
  • Top pasta mixture with chicken.  Pour the remaining jar of marinara sauce over the chicken and spread gently to coat evenly.
  • Top chicken and sauce layer with remaining ¼ cup of basil and mozzarella cheese.
  • In a small bowl, mix together melted butter, bread crumbs, and parmesan cheese.
  • Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 40-45 minutes, covered for about the first 20 minutes and then uncovered for the final 20 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly, cheese is melted, and bread crumbs are golden brown.
  • Remove from the oven and serve immediately.