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Chicken Parmesan Bake Casserole
You wonโt believe how easy it is to make this classic chicken parmesan casserole, and itโs the perfect option for an easy dinner on a busy weeknight.
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Table of Contents
- Baked Chicken Parmesan Casserole Ingredients
- How To Make Chicken Parmesan Casserole
- Chicken Parmesan Casserole Substitutions and Additions
- How To Serve This Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
- Storing Chicken Parmesan Baked Casserole
- Why We Love This Recipe
- Easy Chicken Parmesan Casserole FAQs
- More Recipes You’ll Love
- JUMP TO RECIPE
Chicken parmesan is a classic, hearty Italian dish that combines tender chicken, tangy red sauce, and perfectly melted parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. This casserole version is a quick and hassle-free way to make the beloved dish, and in no time, you have a delicious meal.
Once you sink your teeth into this mouthwatering chicken parmesan casserole, you’ll find the perfect combination of juicy, succulent chicken, tender rotini pasta, and ooey-gooey mozzarella cheese, enveloped in a rich marinara sauce.
The bubbly, melted cheese stretches with each bite while the breadcrumbs add the perfect crunch, transporting your taste buds into a world of classic Italian cuisine.
Baked Chicken Parmesan Casserole Ingredients
You’ll need:
- 8 ounces of rotini pasta
- 24-ounce jar of marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
- 2 cups of diced, cooked chicken (boneless skinless chicken breasts or rotisserie)
- 2 cups of grated mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup of grated parmesan or Romano cheese, divided
- 4 tablespoons of salted butter, melted
- ¾ cup of panko breadcrumbs
- 2 to 3 tablespoons of freshly chopped basil
PRO TIP:
8 ounces of pasta is HALF of a standard box. If you use a whole box of pasta, it will fit in your 9×13 dish, but you do need to double the sauce, chicken, and cheese for proper balance.
How To Make Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Once the pasta is cooked to just the right texture, the ingredients are combined together and spread into a casserole dish. Top it with cheese and breadcrumbs before baking.
Follow our step-by-step directions below to pull together this easy dish.
OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS
This casserole cooks up quickly in the oven because the main layer is already warm (from the cooked pasta) going into the oven. You can prepare the whole casserole in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Cover and bake for 45-60 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and heated through and the cheese has melted.
STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
STEP TWO: Cook pasta to al dente in a pot of salted water according to package directions. Drain pasta and return to the pot.
PRO TIP:
The pasta will cook further while baking the casserole, so it’s best to cook it al dente beforehand if you don’t want it overly soft.
STEP THREE: Add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, chicken, one cup of mozzarella, and a half cup Parmesan.
STEP FOUR: Stir mixture together, then transfer into a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish.
STEP FIVE: Top with remaining cheeses (one cup mozzarella and half cup Parmesan).
STEP SIX: Mix melted butter and breadcrumbs in a small bowl. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the casserole.
STEP SEVEN: Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
PRO TIP:
Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to keep a close eye on your casserole as the suggested cook time approaches.
STEP EIGHT: Remove the aluminum foil and broil for three to five minutes longer to toast the breadcrumbs.
STEP NINE: Remove from the oven and top with fresh basil.
Chicken Parmesan Casserole Substitutions and Additions
BREADCRUMBS: You can add more flavor to the breadcrumb topping by adding garlic salt, Parmesan cheese, or additional Italian seasoning to the breadcrumb mixture.
SAUCE: This is a nice balance of sauce, pasta, and cheese. For a saucier Parmesan chicken casserole, add an additional half to full jar of marinara sauce, or add a can of drained tomatoes.
PASTA: Any type of pasta will work for this delicious dinner recipe, but we do recommend sticking with a small pasta.
Bowtie, shells, rigatoni, ziti, or penne pasta would all be great options.
CHICKEN: To make this a vegetarian pasta casserole, leave out the chicken and add vegetables such as mushrooms, onions, or baby tomatoes.
You could also swap out the chicken for ground beef or sausage if you prefer.
How To Serve This Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
This delicious cheesy casserole is the perfect dish to make on busy weeknights that the whole family will love.
Add a Caesar side salad or our copycat Olive Garden salad on the side for a fresh addition to this meal.
Our garlic bread or a crusty loaf of Dutch oven bread on the side is just the right choice to mop up the delicious marinara sauce from the plate.
If you like this flavor profile, you definitely don’t want to miss out on these two easy recipes.
One pot chicken parmesan pasta is easily made in a single pot, and meatball parmesan uses hearty meatballs instead of chicken. Both offer the same mouth-watering flavors.
MORE PASTA RECIPES
Storing Chicken Parmesan Baked Casserole
Let’s have a look at how to store this casserole in case you have any leftovers to enjoy later.
IN THE FRIDGE: Refrigerate leftover chicken parmesan casserole for up to thre days.
IN THE FREEZER: Freeze this delicious chicken parmesan casserole for up to three months in an airtight container.
Why We Love This Recipe
This Baked Chicken Parmesan Casserole is the perfect option for an easy dinner on a busy weeknight!
It is so simple to make this hearty and flavorful chicken parmesan casserole. It’s a meal that the entire family is sure to love. Don’t forget to add crusty bread that’s perfect for scooping up all of the tasty pasta sauce.
Easy Chicken Parmesan Casserole FAQs
How do I know when my pasta is al dente?
To test your pasta for al dente, take a bite of the pasta a minute or two before the package instructions indicate it should be done. When you bite into it, and your teeth feel some resistance, but the pasta is still tender, your pasta is al dente.
Can I freeze this pasta dish?
You can freeze the leftovers of this easy chicken parmesan casserole recipe. This pasta dish is great to make ahead and freeze to bake later. It will last up to three months in the freezer.
Why is my chicken parmesan recipe dry?
There are a few reasons your baked pasta dish is dry. First, there may not be enough sauce in the dish. Second, the noodles aren’t cooked until just al dente and end up overcooking while baking. Third, the noodles aren’t thoroughly and evenly coated with sauce. Finally, the edges of the noodles are exposed and may dry out.
Why is my chicken parm watery?
Your chicken parmesan may turn out watery if you are using a watery tomato sauce or other veggies that have excess moisture. Also make sure to pat dry the chicken before cooking.
Why is my chicken parmesan tough?
The chicken may turn out tough if it is being overcooked or your breading is too thick. Also, make sure you are using good-quality chicken.
More Recipes You’ll Love
Chicken Parmesan Baked Casserole
You won’t believe how easy it is to make this classic chicken parmesan casserole, and it’s the perfect option for an easy dinner on a busy weeknight.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 5
Ingredients
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced (chicken breast or rotisserie)
- 2 cups grated mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup grated parmesan or romano cheese, divided
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 to 3 tablespoons freshly chopped basil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cook pasta in a pot of salted water according to package instructions. Drain pasta and return to the pot.
- Add the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, chicken, 1 cup of mozzarella, and ½ cup of parmesan.
- Stir the mixture together, then transfer into a 9×13 casserole dish.
- Top with the remaining cheeses (1 cup mozzarella and ½ cup parmesan).
- In a small bowl, mix together melted butter and breadcrumbs. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the cheese in the casserole dish.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the aluminum foil and broil for 3 to 5 minutes longer to toast the breadcrumbs.
- Remove from the oven and top with freshly chopped basil.
Notes
- Note that 8 ounces of pasta is HALF of a standard box. If you use a whole box of pasta, it will fit in your 9×13 dish, but you do need to double the sauce, chicken, and cheese for proper balance.
- This casserole cooks up quickly in the oven because the main layer is already warm (from the cooked pasta) going into the oven. You can prepare the whole casserole in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Cover and bake for 45-60 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and heated through and the cheese has melted.
- The pasta will cook further while baking the casserole, so it’s best to cook it al dente beforehand if you don’t want it overly soft.
- Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to keep a close eye on your casserole as the suggested cook time approaches.
Nutrition
Calories: 676kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 41g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Cholesterol: 123mg | Sodium: 749mg | Potassium: 403mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1128IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 463mg | Iron: 3mg
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Comments
Gloria says
This is really hearty and good!
Hailey says
So excited to try it! What temp do you cook it at?
Layne Kangas says
It’s 350 degrees, enjoy!
Lori Neal says
Can I make this recipe with regular bread crumbs instead of panko??
Layne Kangas says
Hi, Lori – that would probably be fine. Enjoy!