Chicken Parmesan Casserole takes everything you love about classic Chicken Parm and turns it into a hearty, family-style baked dish. Juicy chicken, marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and a crispy breadcrumb topping all layered over pasta make this the ultimate comfort meal. It’s warm, satisfying, and perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you want something that feels like a hug on a plate.
What Makes This Casserole So Good?
It’s got all the flavors of traditional Chicken Parmesan, but without the fuss of breading and frying individual cutlets. Instead, this baked casserole layers together cooked chicken, pasta, rich marinara, cheese, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping for a dish that’s both easy and satisfying. It’s a crowd-pleaser that comes together with minimal prep.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked, shredded or cubed chicken
- 3 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini work well)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup seasoned Italian breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Combine Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce
In a large bowl, mix together the cooked chicken, cooked pasta, and marinara sauce until everything is evenly coated.
3. Assemble the Casserole
Spread half of the chicken-pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella and half of the Parmesan. Add the remaining chicken mixture and top with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan.
4. Add Breadcrumb Topping
In a small bowl, mix the Italian breadcrumbs, melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
5. Bake
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown.
6. Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy marinara.
- Extra Veggies: Mix in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.
- Low Carb Option: Swap pasta for cooked spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles.
- Meat Swap: Use breaded chicken tenders or rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small bowl for breadcrumb topping
Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Serving)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 22g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze unbaked or baked casserole for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly and thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes or until heated through.
My Cooking Experience
This Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a go-to for busy weeknights. I’ve made it for family dinners, meal preps, and even as a freezer meal for new parents. The layers of gooey cheese and crunchy topping make it feel indulgent, and the minimal prep keeps it easy and stress-free. Every time I serve it, there are no leftovers—it’s just that good.
Conclusion
This Chicken Parmesan Casserole brings comfort and convenience together in one cheesy, crowd-pleasing dish. It’s perfect for feeding a hungry family or making ahead for a busy week. Classic flavors, simple ingredients, and satisfying textures make this a must-have recipe in your dinner rotation.
best chicken parmesan casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix together the cooked chicken, cooked pasta, and marinara sauce until everything is evenly coated.
- Spread half of the chicken-pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella and half of the Parmesan. Add the remaining chicken mixture and top with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan.
- In a small bowl, mix the Italian breadcrumbs, melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze unbaked or baked casserole for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly and thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes or until heated through.
