Chicken Nugget Parm Casserole

Ingredients

• Cooking spray
• Kosher salt
• 3/4 lb. rigatoni or other short pasta
• 2 (24-oz.) jars marinara sauce, divided
• 2 (1-lb.) bags frozen chicken nuggets, divided
• 4 cups shredded mozzarella (about 1 lb.), divided
• 6 tbsp. finely grated Parmesan, divided
• Chopped fresh basil, for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375ºF. Grease an 11″-by-8″ baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Cook Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta, stirring occasionally, until very al dente, usually 2 to 3 minutes less than package instructions.
3. Drain and transfer to a large bowl. Add 1 jar marinara sauce and toss to coat.
4. Assemble Casserole: Layer half of the pasta mixture into the bottom of the prepared dish.
5. Arrange 2 cups of chicken nuggets in a single layer over the pasta.
6. Dollop half of the remaining marinara sauce over the nuggets.
7. Sprinkle with 2 cups mozzarella and 3 tablespoons Parmesan.
8. Top with the remaining pasta mixture and 2 cups nuggets.
9. Bake: Tightly cover the baking dish with foil.
10. Bake the casserole until warmed through, 40 to 45 minutes.
11. Add Toppings: Top with the remaining marinara sauce, 2 cups mozzarella, and 3 tablespoons Parmesan.
12. Continue to bake until the cheese is melted and golden, 10 to 15 minutes.
13. Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh basil before serving.

“Chicken Nugget Parm Casserole Recipe.” Delish, 6 Jan. 2023, https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a42389322/chicken-nugget-parm-casserole-recipe/.