Ingredients
Main Ingredients
1 (16 ounce) package uncooked rotini pasta
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
2 cups all-purpose flour
4 large eggs, beaten
2 cups Italian seasoned bread crumbs
2 tablespoons garlic Cheeses & Sauce
1 (16 ounce) package shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 ½ (32 ounce) jars marinara sauce
½ cup dry red wine (such as Sangiovese)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rotini pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.Bread the Chicken
Set up a dredging station: one bowl of flour, one of beaten eggs, and one of breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder. Dredge each piece of chicken in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs.Fry the Chicken
Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium-high. Fry chicken pieces until golden and fully cooked, about 4–5 minutes per side. Transfer to paper towels to drain.Mix Pasta and Sauce
In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, half the mozzarella, half the Parmesan, marinara sauce, and red wine. Mix well.Layer the Casserole
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large baking dish, layer half the pasta mixture, all the chicken, then the remaining pasta. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.Bake
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use freshly shredded mozzarella for best melt and texture.
Add crushed red pepper or fresh basil to the sauce for extra flavor.
Let the casserole rest after baking to set the layers.
For a shortcut, you can use frozen breaded chicken tenders.
This dish freezes well either before or after baking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 1/8 of casserole)
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg