Craving a healthy and delicious meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor? This Zucchini Noodle Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a fantastic way to enjoy a classic dish with a lighter touch, making it a perfect addition to your collection of Healthy Chicken Casserole Recipes. You’ll love how easy it is to assemble and how satisfying it tastes.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Zucchini: Spiralized zucchini replaces traditional pasta, keeping it low-carb. You can also use pre-spiralized zucchini noodles.
- Cooked Chicken Breast: Shredded or diced chicken works best. Leftover rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver.
- Marinara Sauce: Choose a low-sugar variety for a healthier option.
- Cheese: Mozzarella and Parmesan add classic flavor. Feel free to use a dairy-free alternative if preferred.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs zucchini, spiralized
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 30-35 minutes
- Total time: 50-55 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories per serving: Approximately 320 kcal
- Tools needed: 9×13 inch baking dish, large mixing bowl, spiralizer (if using fresh zucchini)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Zucchini
Begin by spiralizing your zucchini if you haven’t already. Gently pat the zucchini noodles dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial for preventing a watery casserole and keeping it one of the best Healthy Chicken Casserole Recipes.
2. Combine the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, marinara sauce, half of the mozzarella cheese, half of the Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Season with salt and black pepper. Mix everything until well combined.
3. Layer the Casserole
Spread half of the spiralized zucchini noodles evenly in the bottom of your 9×13 inch baking dish. Next, spoon the chicken and sauce mixture over the zucchini layer. Top with the remaining zucchini noodles.
4. Add the Cheesy Topping
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top layer of zucchini noodles. This creates that classic golden crust you’ll love in this Healthy Chicken Casserole Recipes dish.
5. Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Variation Ideas
- Add more vegetables: Include sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach in the chicken mixture.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a little heat.
- Different herbs: Experiment with fresh basil or oregano instead of dried Italian seasoning.
- Boost protein: Mix in some cottage cheese or ricotta for an extra creamy texture and protein punch.
Storage Instructions
You can store leftover Zucchini Noodle Chicken Parmesan Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm individual portions in the microwave until heated through, or cover and bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can you make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole the day before and store it in the refrigerator. Just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
- How do you prevent the zucchini from getting watery? Patting the spiralized zucchini dry with paper towels is the key step to remove excess moisture. You can also lightly salt the zucchini and let it sit for 15 minutes before draining.
- Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, because it uses zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta, this Zucchini Noodle Chicken Parmesan Casserole is naturally gluten-free.
- Can you use ground chicken instead of shredded chicken? Absolutely! Cook and drain ground chicken before mixing it into the sauce for another delicious Healthy Chicken Casserole Recipes option.
- What kind of marinara sauce should you use? Choose a good quality marinara sauce with no added sugar for the healthiest option.
- Can you freeze this casserole? Yes, you can freeze the assembled and unbaked casserole, or baked leftovers. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking or reheating.