Chicken Parmesan Casserole is an easy meal you can make any night of the week. It has pasta, chicken, tomato sauce, and cheese all baked together in one dish. You don’t need to fry anything—just mix it, bake it, and dinner is ready.
Why We Love This Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
There’s something truly comforting about a baked pasta dish, especially when it includes melty cheese and tender chicken. This Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a standout because it combines ease, flavor, and comfort all in one. You don’t have to spend time breading or frying anything, but you still get that cheesy, saucy goodness that’s associated with classic chicken parmesan.
You’ll love how it transforms simple ingredients into something that tastes like it came from a cozy Italian kitchen. And if you’re tired of standing over the stove after a long day, this recipe has your back. Everything gets mixed, baked, and served right from the same dish.
Another reason to keep this recipe in your rotation? It’s very forgiving. You can change the type of pasta, adjust the sauce, and even use frozen or leftover cooked chicken. This makes it a smart choice when you’re trying to use what’s in your kitchen without making an extra trip to the store.
Kids love it. Adults love it. You’ll find yourself making it again and again—not just because it’s simple, but because it truly delivers on flavor and satisfaction.
Ingredients about Chicken Parmesan Casserole
To make this casserole, you’ll only need a handful of pantry staples and some cooked chicken. Everything is mixed together and baked, which means no fancy steps or cooking techniques.
- 16 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound cooked chicken, shredded or cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
- 48 ounces marinara or spaghetti sauce (about 1½ standard jars)
- Chopped basil (optional, for garnish)
You can adjust the type of pasta or cheese based on your preferences or what you have on hand. This is a flexible dish that still delivers big results.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Casserole Directions
Making this Chicken Parmesan Casserole is as easy as mixing, baking, and enjoying. Start by boiling the pasta. While the pasta cooks, you can prepare the rest of your ingredients. If you’re using rotisserie chicken, you’ll save even more time. Once everything is cooked and prepped, it all goes into one baking dish.
First, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a good pinch of salt, then cook your penne pasta according to the package instructions. Once it’s al dente, drain it and set it aside. You don’t want to overcook the pasta since it will continue cooking in the oven.
In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooked pasta with the shredded or cubed chicken. Add the Italian seasoning to give the dish its herby base. Pour in all of the marinara sauce and stir everything together. Then, add half a cup of the mozzarella and half a cup of the Parmesan. Mixing in some cheese now helps it melt evenly throughout the dish.
Next, transfer the pasta and chicken mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread it out evenly using a spoon or spatula so every bite is balanced with sauce, chicken, and pasta. Cover the dish with foil to trap in moisture as it bakes.
Place the covered casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F. Let it bake for 30 minutes. This time allows the sauce to heat through and the flavors to blend nicely. After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Now it’s time to add the rest of your cheese. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan over the top of the casserole.
Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, for another 10 minutes. The cheese will melt and bubble on top, forming a golden layer that’s hard to resist. You can leave it in a little longer if you prefer your cheese with a more golden-brown crust.
Once it’s out of the oven, you can garnish it with fresh chopped basil if you like. The green gives it a bright, fresh look and a little extra flavor. Let the casserole cool slightly before serving so everything holds together when sliced.
How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Casserole
When it comes to serving this casserole, you really can’t go wrong. It’s a complete meal on its own with protein, pasta, and plenty of flavor. You can serve it straight from the baking dish onto plates or into bowls for a casual family dinner.
If you want to round out the meal, pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. A side of steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, or even garlic green beans complements the richness of the casserole perfectly.
You can also add warm crusty bread or garlic toast on the side. That way, you can scoop up any extra sauce and cheese. It’s the kind of meal where seconds are expected, and leftovers are celebrated.
Whether you’re plating it up for a family dinner or serving guests, this dish is sure to please. You don’t need anything fancy—just a big spoon and a hungry group of people.
Expert Tips: Chicken Parmesan Casserole
- Use pre-cooked chicken: One of the best time-saving tips is using rotisserie chicken. It’s already seasoned and cooked, and it blends right into the casserole. You can even freeze cooked chicken in advance to have it ready.
- Make it extra cheesy: If your family loves cheese, go ahead and add more. A little extra mozzarella or even a handful of provolone slices can make it even gooier.
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Since the pasta continues baking in the oven, cook it just until al dente. This way, it won’t turn mushy.
- Add crunch: For a crispy topping, add some seasoned breadcrumbs on top during the last 10 minutes of baking. Just sprinkle over the cheese before placing the casserole back in the oven.
- Spice it up: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes into the pasta mix before baking.
These tips make sure your casserole comes out perfect every single time—whether it’s your first time making it or your tenth.
How to Store Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Leftovers are one of the best parts of making a casserole like this. Once the dish has cooled, you can store it right in the baking dish if it has a lid, or transfer it to an airtight container.
Keep leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish in the oven at 325°F until hot.
You can also freeze this casserole. Wrap it tightly with foil and store for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F until warmed through.
Variation of Chicken Parmesan Casserole
This casserole is very easy to adjust to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Here are a few fun ways to change it up:
- Switch the pasta: Instead of penne, try rigatoni, fusilli, or even rotini. The shape helps hold onto the sauce and cheese.
- Try different sauces: While marinara is classic, you can use a tomato basil sauce or a chunky vegetable pasta sauce for variety.
- Add veggies: Mix in cooked spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for an extra layer of flavor and nutrition.
- Make it gluten-free: Just use gluten-free pasta and check your sauce to make sure it’s safe.
- Use different cheese: Mix in provolone, fontina, or even a little sharp cheddar for a different cheesy experience.
These small changes can turn this simple casserole into something new every time, which keeps it fun and fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use uncooked chicken in this casserole?
No, the chicken needs to be fully cooked before adding it to the pasta and sauce. You can bake, boil, or use rotisserie chicken.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze it before or after baking. Make sure it’s tightly wrapped and label it with the date.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare everything up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Then bake as directed when you’re ready.
What’s the best pasta for this recipe?
Penne is great because it holds the sauce well, but you can also use rigatoni, ziti, or fusilli.
Can I add breadcrumbs to the top?
Yes! Add a mixture of breadcrumbs and a bit of melted butter on top for a crunchy finish.
Is it okay to use jarred marinara sauce?
Yes. Store-bought marinara or spaghetti sauce is perfect for this recipe and makes it very easy.
Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Equipment
- 9×13-inch Casserole Dish
- Large Pot
Ingredients
- 16 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb cooked chicken (shredded or cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (divided)
- 48 oz marinara or spaghetti sauce (about 1½ standard jars)
- Chopped basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, Italian seasoning, marinara sauce, and half a cup each of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Stir until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish and spread evenly. Cover with foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. Bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped basil, if desired, and let cool slightly before serving.
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