Spicy Chicken And Pasta Casserole
A flavorful spicy chicken and pasta casserole featuring tender chicken, rigatoni, rich sauce, and Parmesan, topped with fresh parsley—perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a Dutch oven, over medium-high heat, cook and stir chopped chicken in olive oil until lightly browned.
- Stir in pasta sauce, heavy whipping cream, and basil leaves.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer, covered, for 10 minutes.
- Stir in cooked rigatoni and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
- Cover and bake for 35 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
- Top with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Refrigerate leftovers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes to the chicken while cooking. If you don't have rigatoni, any tubular pasta like penne or ziti works well. Fresh basil adds brightness, but if it's unavailable, substitute with a teaspoon of dried basil for a different flavor profile. This dish is reminiscent of comforting Italian recipes, making it a hit for family dinners.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is hearty enough to stand alone, but it pairs beautifully with Italian Green Beans With Onion And Basil for a complete meal. Serve with a side salad for freshness or crusty garlic bread to soak up the sauce. Consider topping with additional grated Parmesan or fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish covered with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes until heated through. Ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Chicken And Pasta Casserole contains roughly 315 calories, with 15g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (77% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (75% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (66% of the Daily Value). At about 315 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken for this casserole?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it's best to thaw it first for even cooking. If using frozen chicken, increase the cooking time slightly to ensure it's fully cooked before adding the other ingredients.
What can I substitute for heavy whipping cream?
If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy whipping cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and butter. For a dairy-free alternative, try coconut cream or cashew cream for a similar richness.
Is this casserole suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This casserole is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble it ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it. Just adjust the baking time if cooking from frozen, adding about 10-15 minutes to ensure it's heated through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).