I’m so excited to share this chicken parmesan casserole recipe with you! When I first made it, I knew I was onto something special. It’s the perfect combination of comfort food and hearty Italian flavors, but it doesn’t feel overly heavy.

Plus, it’s a life-saver on busy weeknights when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. I love how the crispy topping, gooey cheese, and tender chicken mixed with pasta come together seamlessly. Trust me, once you try this dish, you’ll keep coming back for more!

Credit: thecozycook

Ingredients for Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Here’s exactly what you’ll need to make this casserole, along with tips to help you get the best results:

12 ounces penne pasta: Penne works great because it holds up during baking and grabs onto the sauce nicely. Feel free to use bowtie pasta for a fun alternative.
1.5 pounds cooked, shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a quick and flavorful option, or you can cook and shred your own.
36 ounces marinara sauce: Choose a high-quality jarred sauce or use homemade for an extra-special touch.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts better and adds a creamy texture.
12 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced: These slices add a gooey, cheesy layer that’s indulgent and delicious.
1 tablespoon olive oil: You’ll use this to prep the chicken if cooking it fresh.
1/3 cup Panko breadcrumbs: These breadcrumbs provide the perfect crispy topping.
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish to the topping. Always grate Parmesan fresh for the best flavor.
Fresh basil for garnish: Sliced basil adds a pop of color and freshness.

Note: This recipe makes about 6 servings. It’s ideal for feeding a family or enjoying leftovers!

Variations

You can easily customize this chicken parmesan casserole to suit your needs or preferences. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Dairy-Free: Replace mozzarella and Parmesan with dairy-free cheese alternatives. Some nut-based cheeses work beautifully.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and replace Panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Add Extra Flavor: Include sliced mushrooms, spinach, or even roasted red peppers for added texture and a flavor boost.
Low-Carb Option: Swap out the pasta for cooked spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles.

You can also enjoy similar hearty dishes like the Cajun Steak with Apricot Orange Glaze for a flavorful twist.

Cooking Time

Here’s how long you’ll need to prepare and bake this dish:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Equipment You Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this dish effortlessly:

Large pot
For boiling the pasta to al dente perfection.
Cutting board and knife
To prep chicken, fresh mozzarella, and basil.
9×13-inch baking dish
The perfect size for layering your casserole evenly.
Mixing spoon
For combining pasta, sauce, and toppings.
Grater
For freshly shredding mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

How to Make Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe?

Follow these simple steps to create this mouthwatering dish:

Prep the Pasta and Chicken

Start by boiling your penne pasta in a large pot of salted water until it is al dente. This ensures the pasta stays firm after baking. Meanwhile, if you’re not using pre-cooked chicken, heat olive oil in a skillet and cook your chicken breasts. Season with salt and pepper, and once fully cooked (165°F internal temperature), shred or chop the chicken.

Mix the Main Ingredients

Drain the cooked pasta and return it to the pot. Combine the pasta with shredded chicken, marinara sauce, and shredded mozzarella. Stir until the mixture is evenly coated, making sure every ingredient is well-mixed.

Layer the Casserole

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half of your pasta mixture into the dish, then layer half of the fresh mozzarella slices on top. Add the remaining pasta mixture, spreading it out to cover the bottom layer. Finally, sprinkle the Panko-Parmesan mixture evenly as the crunchy topping and layer with the remaining mozzarella slices.

Bake to Perfection

Bake the casserole in a preheated 450°F oven for about 15 minutes. For the best results, broil it for an additional 2-3 minutes to achieve a bubbling golden cheese topping.

Garnish and Serve

Remove the casserole and sprinkle freshly sliced basil over the top. This not only adds flavor but also makes the dish look vibrant and inviting.

Credit: thecozycook

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

From my experience, a few extra touches can make this dish even more delicious:

Use a high-quality marinara sauce for rich, authentic flavors.
Don’t overcook the pasta; al dente pasta absorbs sauce better during baking.
Broil in the final minutes for a perfectly crispy breadcrumb topping.
If using rotisserie chicken, shred it while it’s still warm for easier handling.
Add extra Parmesan cheese to boost the savory factor.

How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Casserole?

This casserole is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it with a few side dishes or garnishes. Serve it with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. I love adding a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on each plate just before serving. For fancy presentation, garnish with more fresh basil or parsley to brighten up the dish. You might also enjoy trying Crockpot Garlic Butter Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Orzo as a fun side dish to complement this meal.

Nutritional Information

To give you a quick rundown, each serving of chicken parmesan casserole contains:

Calories: 657
Protein: 52g
Carbohydrates: 56g
Fat: 25g

It’s hearty, satisfying, and packed with flavor in every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This dish is perfect for meal prepping or storing leftovers. Here’s how:

Restoring Leftovers

Keep leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Freezing

To freeze, assemble the casserole without baking. Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as instructed.

Reheating

If frozen, reheat at 350°F for about 25-30 minutes. Add additional cheese on top if desired.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This chicken parmesan casserole is hands-down a favorite for several good reasons:

Quick and Easy: It’s a one-pan wonder that comes together in just over 30 minutes.
Comforting Flavors: It combines the best of chicken Parmesan and pasta in one dish.
Customizable: Easily adaptable to dietary needs or personal flavor preferences.
Family-Friendly: Everyone will love the cheesy, saucy goodness of this casserole.
Make-Ahead Option: Perfect for busy weeknights or meal preps.

Once you’ve made this casserole, it’s sure to become a regular feature on your dinner table. Give it a try and see how it brings joy to your meals! For more inspiration, check out these Chicken Recipes that are equally delicious and easy to make.

Ash Tyrrell