As summer fades and fall arrives, busy weeknights become the norm. Between kids’ activities, work demands, and everything in between, getting a satisfying dinner on the table quickly is a top priority. For those hectic evenings, easy recipes are a lifesaver, and when it comes to effortless yet delicious meals, Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman, knows best.
Ree Drummond, the star of The Pioneer Woman and a busy mom of five, understands the need for simple, family-friendly dinners. Whether she’s filming her show, developing new products, or managing her various ventures, she’s always on the go. That’s why she often turns to casseroles – the ultimate make-ahead, stress-free meal.
The Beauty of Casserole Dinners
“I’m a big casserole fan,” Drummond admits. “They always feel vintage to me… like something my grandmother would have made.” But beyond nostalgia, casseroles are incredibly practical for today’s busy lifestyles. “They’re so great because you don’t have to stand at the stove, and it’s not last-minute,” she explains. “You get it all together earlier in the day… and then can just decide when to bake it, and dinnertime is low stress.”
Drummond loves to put a twist on classic dishes by transforming them into 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. And for Ree, the cheesier the casserole, the better. “Any casserole where you get a spoonful out and it leaves a big cheese pull behind is my favorite kind of casserole,” she laughs.
Inspired by Ree’s love for easy, cheesy comfort food, we recreated The Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and is destined to become a regular part of your fall and winter meal rotation—or anytime you crave a comforting and satisfying dish.
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Pioneer Woman chicken parmesan casserole ready to be served, showcasing melted cheese and golden breadcrumbs.
Pioneer Woman Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake Recipe
By: Sara Haas
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Serves: 6
Ingredients
- 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
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a large baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cook pasta according to package directions in a large pot of boiling water. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until just cooked through. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute more. Stir in marinara sauce and then add the cooked pasta; stir 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 on top. Cover with the remaining pasta mixture, then top with the remaining pesto and sliced mozzarella.
- Melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Pour melted butter over the breadcrumb mixture and stir. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before garnishing with fresh basil and serving.
This Pioneer Woman chicken parmesan casserole is the perfect easy dinner recipe for busy weeknights. It’s cheesy, comforting, and packed with flavor – everything you want in a family-friendly meal. Enjoy!
