As summer fades and the hustle of fall sets in, weeknights can become a whirlwind. Between school runs, after-school activities, and demanding work schedules, putting a satisfying dinner on the table quickly becomes a top priority. If anyone understands the need for speedy and delicious weeknight meals, it’s Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman. Juggling a busy life filming her show, developing her product lines, managing a magazine, and keeping up with her family, Ree knows the value of a reliable, easy dinner solution.
Why Ree Drummond Swears by Casseroles for Busy Families
For those hectic evenings, Ree Drummond often turns to a classic comfort food: the casserole. “I’m a big casserole fan. They always feel vintage to me … like something my grandmother would have made,” Ree explains. “But they’re so great because you don’t have to stand at the stove and it’s not last-minute. You get it all together earlier in the day … and then can just decide when to bake it and dinnertime is low stress.” This make-ahead convenience makes casseroles perfect for busy individuals and families alike.
Ree, known for her creative twists on familiar dishes, loves to reimagine classic recipes in casserole form. “I love turning regular recipes into casserole form. For instance, a chicken Parmesan casserole or one of my recent favorites is a chicken bacon ranch casserole,” she shares. For the Drummonds, cheesy goodness is always a winner. “Any casserole where you get a spoonful out and it leaves a big cheese pull behind is my favorite kind of casserole,” Ree laughs, highlighting the comforting and satisfying nature of these dishes.
Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake: A Pioneer Woman Inspired Comfort Dish
Inspired by Ree Drummond’s love for easy, cheesy casseroles, we’ve recreated a Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake that’s destined to become a regular in your meal rotation. This dish is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for chilly fall and winter evenings, or whenever you need a delicious pick-me-up.
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Ingredients for Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake
Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting casserole:
- 1 pound ziti or penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 1/4 pounds chicken breast tenders or breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara or pasta sauce
- 1/2 cup prepared pesto, divided
- 1 pound fresh mozzarella, half cut into 1/2-inch cubes and half thinly sliced
- 1 cup plain panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, for garnish
Step-by-Step Directions for Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Follow these simple directions to bake your own Pioneer Woman-inspired Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake:
- Get Started: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a large baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of butter and olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted, add the bite-sized chicken pieces. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the chicken is just cooked through. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute more.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the marinara sauce and cooked pasta into the skillet with the chicken. Mix well to combine. Pour half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Scatter mozzarella cubes over the pasta and spoon half of the pesto over the top. Cover with the remaining pasta mixture, then top with the remaining pesto and sliced mozzarella.
- Prepare Breadcrumb Topping: Melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Pour the melted butter over the breadcrumb mixture and stir to combine. Sprinkle the breadcrumb topping evenly over the casserole.
- Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil just before serving for a touch of freshness.
This Pioneer Woman-inspired Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to prepare, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave a comforting and satisfying meal. Enjoy the cheesy, delicious goodness!
