Baked Chicken Nugget Pasta Casserole
A straightforward weeknight casserole combining frozen chicken nuggets, bowtie pasta, crushed tomatoes, and melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Italian seasonings and garlic salt add savory depth to the tomato base. The dish bakes until bubbly and cheese browns on top, creating a comforting, kid-friendly dinner that comes together quickly. Perfect for families seeking an easy, satisfying meal that requires minimal prep and one-pan cooking.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs frozen chicken nuggetsdiced cooked chicken breast1.5 lbshomemadedairy-free
substitute fresh for frozen nuggets to reduce processing
- 16 oz bowtie pasta, cooked to al dentepenne or rigatoni16 ozgluten-free option
keeps similar texture and sauce absorption
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes, canned
- 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tsp garlic salt
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 375F.
- 2
Cook pasta to al dente per package directions and drain.
- 3
Combine tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and garlic salt in a large bowl.
- 4
Mix in cooked pasta, frozen chicken nuggets, and half of the mozzarella and parmesan.
- 5
Transfer mixture to a 9x13 baking pan.
- 6
Top with remaining mozzarella and parmesan.
- 7
Bake uncovered until sauce bubbles and cheese browns, 50-60 minutes.
- 8
Serve warm.
Tips
Cook pasta slightly under al dente since it continues cooking in the oven, preventing mushiness.
Spray the baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking; a nonstick pan eliminates this step.
Good to Know
Cover and refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat covered at 350F for 15-20 minutes until warm.
Assemble casserole without baking; cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add 10 minutes to bake time if starting cold.
Serve directly from baking dish for casual family meals. Pairs well with garlic bread or a simple green salad.
Common Mistakes
Cook pasta to al dente to avoid mushy texture after oven time.
Reserve half the cheese for topping to ensure browning and texture contrast.
Bake uncovered so top cheese browns rather than steams.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
substitute fresh for frozen nuggets to reduce processing
creates creamier casserole base
Gluten-Free Swaps
keeps similar texture and sauce absorption
FAQ
Can I make this with fresh chicken instead of nuggets?
Yes. Use 1.5 lbs diced cooked chicken breast or rotisserie chicken. Add it at the mixing stage to avoid overcooking. Fresh chicken maintains better texture than frozen nuggets and absorbs sauce flavors more readily.
What if I don't have Italian seasoning?
Substitute with 1 Tbsp dried oregano plus 1 tsp each dried basil and thyme, or use Italian herb blend. Adjust to taste. The combination provides similar herbaceous flavor to premixed seasoning.
How long can I keep leftovers?
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freeze cooled casserole up to 2 months; thaw overnight and reheat at 350F for 20-25 minutes until heated through.