Chicken Parmesan Casserole

This is one of those times that I loathe my camera or really wish it was summer so that it's not pitch black outside by dinner time. Not that I have a bad camera. My Nikon Coolpix L18 really is a good camera for a cheap little digital camera that is around 3 years old. It just doesn't take great pictures of food without natural light. I can't use the flash when I photograph food because it always reflects off the dishes and my pictures tend to be blurry and discolored when I don't use the flash. Since the picture don't do justice, you'll just have to cook the stuff yourself to see how good it really is.

I have to say that I really admire a lot of bloggers out there for posting daily or close to it. I don't know how you do it. I don't know how you don't run out of ideas. I struggle to keep up with posting 3 days a week and was debating with myself about switching back to 2 days a week. But then I remember there are so many resources like link parties on the internet to keep the ideas rolling in. So, I have a few goals for the new year to help me post 3 times a week. First, I want to join the Secret Recipe Club. Every time I see someone do their post for the month I think it is such a fun idea. Unfortunately, I don't meet all the requirements just yet. I need about 10 more posts to hit 100 recipes and a few of my earliest post need a makeover with pictures. My other goal is to use pinterest to it's fullest advantage. Instead of just pinning and pinning away I am going to try to make something I've found on pinterest weekly, whether it be a recipe or a Craft. This post is my first pinterest pick of  the year.

I thought this recipe for Chicken Parmesan Casserole from Food Wishes would be a great start. My hubby loves Chicken Parmesan and this casserole is a super easy way to throw some together. As always, I reduced the quantity for just the 2 of us and baby but I'll share the full recipe.

Chicken Parmesan Casserole

• 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts (I cubed mine to make it more scoopable, Chef John kept his whole, Hubby thinks I should cut the breasts into fourths, still scoopable but larger pieces)
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed 
• hot red pepper flakes, to taste (optional)
• 2 cups marinara sauce 
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 8 oz mozzarella, shredded 
• 4 oz Parmesan, grated 
• Garlic croutons (5oz package or enough homemade to cover the top of the casserole)

Place chicken in a casserole  pan. Mix marinara sauce, garlic, red pepper flakes, and basil together. Pour over the chicken so that all of the chicken is covered with sauce. Sprinkle with half of the cheese. Top with an even layer of croutons and sprinkle on the remaining half of cheese. Bake for 35 minutes at 350F or until chicken is done.