Get ready to fall in love with Chicken Parmesan Casserole—a comforting, cheesy bake that takes everything you adore about classic Chicken Parm and wraps it up in one family-friendly pan. This dish brings you all the flavors of tender chicken, rich marinara, bubbly cheese, and a crisp breadcrumb topping in effortless, casserole form. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd, prepping an easy weeknight dinner, or just craving something that feels equal parts cozy and impressive, Chicken Parmesan Casserole has you covered!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this dish truly special is its lineup of simple, kitchen-staple ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating that classic flavor and irresistible texture. Gather these crowd-pleasers to whip up your soon-to-be favorite Chicken Parmesan Casserole!
- Cooked Chicken Breast (3 cups, shredded): Gives a juicy, protein-packed base that absorbs the sauce beautifully.
- Marinara Sauce (3 cups): Lends rich tomato flavor and just the right hint of sweet acidity.
- Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): The blend of dried herbs instantly channels Italian-American comfort food.
- Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances aroma and brings a gentle savory warmth.
- Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Adds a subtle kick for those who love a little heat.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (2 cups): Melts into gooey, stretchy pockets that make every bite irresistible.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup): Sharp, nutty depth balances all that creamy mozzarella.
- Cooked Pasta (3 cups, penne or rotini): The hearty base that holds the casserole together and delivers ultimate satisfaction.
- Seasoned Breadcrumbs (1 cup): Provides the crave-worthy crunch and echoes classic Chicken Parm breading.
- Unsalted Butter (2 tablespoons, melted): Coats the breadcrumbs for an extra golden, toasty finish.
- Fresh Basil (2 tablespoons, chopped): Brightens everything with a fresh, fragrant pop as garnish.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Casserole Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light greasing with butter or nonstick spray. This ensures those precious cheesy edges release easily and adds a hint of extra richness.
Step 2: Mix Chicken, Sauce, and Seasonings
In a large mixing bowl, combine your shredded cooked chicken, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if you’re feeling spicy). Stir everything together until your chicken is nicely coated and herby goodness is distributed throughout the mix.
Step 3: Fold in Pasta
Next, gently mix in your cooked pasta of choice—penne or rotini are perfect for trapping sauce. Ensure each piece of pasta is slicked with that savory tomato-chicken mixture. This combination is the heart of your Chicken Parmesan Casserole.
Step 4: Layer Into the Baking Dish
Pour the chicken-and-pasta mixture into your prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly. Now sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan right on top, covering every corner for maximum cheesy coverage.
Step 5: Add Buttery Breadcrumbs
In a small bowl, mix the seasoned breadcrumbs with the melted unsalted butter. Scatter this mixture evenly over the cheese layer. This step gives Chicken Parmesan Casserole its signature crunch and golden finish!
Step 6: Bake and Finish
Place your casserole in the oven, uncovered, and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. When the top is golden-brown and the edges are bubbling, you’re ready for the finishing touch—sprinkle on the fresh, chopped basil just before serving to add color and fragrance.
How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of fresh basil is a must-have—not just for visual appeal, but for a burst of garden-fresh flavor. For extra flair, shave a bit more Parmesan over the top, or drizzle with good olive oil. A touch of cracked black pepper can give a little added contrast, too!
Side Dishes
Chicken Parmesan Casserole shines as a main course alongside simple salads, like a crisp Caesar or a peppery arugula mix, to add some green freshness to your meal. Garlic bread is its perfect partner for scooping up all that saucy, cheesy goodness. Roasted vegetables or a classic antipasto platter also round out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving a dinner party or just want to get fancy, portion your Chicken Parmesan Casserole into individual ramekins before baking. You can also top with a dollop of ricotta for an extra-luxe finish, or stack slices of fried eggplant on the bottom for a mashup twist. Serving family style from the bubbling pan straight to the table is always a showstopper, too!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Simply cover the cooled Chicken Parmesan Casserole tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days without losing flavor or texture.
Freezing
To freeze, let the casserole cool fully, then wrap well in foil and plastic wrap, or move to a freezer-safe dish. Chicken Parmesan Casserole can be frozen for up to 3 months—just label the date. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
For a quick reheat, microwave individual portions under a cover until piping hot, or place the entire casserole (covered) in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 to 25 minutes. To crisp the top again, uncover for the last several minutes of baking.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken in Chicken Parmesan Casserole?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a wonderful shortcut that still yields flavorful, juicy results. Just shred or chop and use in place of cooked chicken breast.
What pasta shapes work best in this casserole?
Short, sturdy pastas like penne, rotini, or ziti are ideal since they hold sauce and cheese beautifully without getting mushy during baking.
How can I make Chicken Parmesan Casserole gluten free?
Swap the pasta and breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free versions. Many stores carry gluten-free Italian-style breadcrumbs and pasta that perform just as well in this dish.
Can Chicken Parmesan Casserole be made ahead?
Yes! You can fully assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Is it possible to lower the carbs in this recipe?
Definitely. To lighten things up, substitute cooked zucchini noodles or roasted spaghetti squash for the pasta. You’ll still enjoy all the classic Chicken Parmesan Casserole flavor with fewer carbs.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a hug-in-a-dish that’s guaranteed to bring everyone to the table with big smiles, Chicken Parmesan Casserole is it. With simple prep, crowd-pleasing flavors, and cozy, melty layers, this is one of those recipes you’ll reach for again and again. Go on—give it a try, and make it your own family favorite!
Print
Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a comforting and satisfying Chicken Parmesan Casserole, a delicious twist on the classic favorite. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini work well)
For the Topping:
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Casserole: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Stir in the cooked pasta and transfer to the baking dish. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Add the Topping: Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese layer.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
- For a lower-carb option, replace pasta with zucchini noodles.
- Casserole can be assembled ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 880 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
