Description
Enjoy a comforting and easy Chicken Parmesan Casserole with Rigatoni Pasta, featuring tender chicken breasts, perfectly cooked rigatoni, and a rich natural tomato sauce. This plant-based cheese-topped casserole creates a creamy, hearty meal ideal for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. Customizable and quick to prepare, it balances savory flavors and wholesome ingredients for a satisfying Italian-inspired dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein & Pasta
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and sliced
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
Sauce & Flavorings
- 3 cups tomato sauce (natural)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Cheese & Garnishes
- 1 1/2 cups shredded plant-based cheese
- Additional fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Rigatoni: Boil the rigatoni pasta in salted water according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain well and set aside to maintain perfect texture for baking.
- Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté sliced chicken breasts with minced garlic and diced onion until golden and fully cooked. Season with salt, pepper, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce to enhance flavor.
- Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, combine the tomato sauce (natural) with chopped fresh basil and a splash of vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. Stir in the natural gelling agent to ensure the casserole sets beautifully while staying moist.
- Assemble the Casserole: In a large baking dish, layer half of the rigatoni, then half of the chicken mixture and tomato sauce. Sprinkle shredded plant-based cheese over the layers. Repeat with remaining rigatoni, chicken mixture, sauce, and top with the remaining cheese. Optionally, sprinkle chopped smoked turkey bacon over the top for a smoky touch.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes until bubbly, hot throughout, and the plant-based cheese melts into a golden creamy topping.
Notes
- Pre-cook the chicken to ensure even cooking and prevent dryness when baking.
- Do not overcook the rigatoni; undercook slightly for optimal texture after baking.
- Use fresh herbs like basil to brighten flavors and enhance the dish.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after baking for easier serving and better flavor melding.
- Distribute ingredients evenly to ensure balanced flavors in every bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Chicken Parmesan, Rigatoni Pasta, Casserole, Plant-based Cheese, Italian Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, Vegetarian Worcestershire Sauce
