Name: Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or diced); 3 cups marinara sauce; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon dried basil; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini); 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons melted butter; Fresh basil for garnish

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Golden, cheesy, and bubbling with flavor, this Chicken Parmesan Casserole transforms a classic comfort food into an easy weeknight meal that everyone will crave. By combining juicy chicken, flavorful marinara, a blend of melty cheeses, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping, you get all the best parts of chicken parm—without all the fuss. Whether you use leftover rotisserie chicken or prep everything from scratch, this dish brings that Italian-American, family-style warmth straight to your table—it’s the ultimate way to enjoy Chicken Parmesan Casserole.

Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of simple, everyday ingredients create something so crave-worthy! Each one is essential for dialing up the taste, adding texture, and making this Chicken Parmesan Casserole absolute comfort food perfection.

Cooked Chicken Breast: Juicy and hearty, chicken is the centerpiece—use shredded or diced for ease and maximum flavor absorption!
Marinara Sauce: Rich tomato sauce adds classic Italian flavor and keeps everything tender and moist.
Garlic Powder: One of those must-have seasonings that sneaks in savory depth without any extra work.
Dried Basil: This herby essential infuses the whole casserole with a signature aroma and freshness.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Just a pinch brings gentle heat for anyone who loves a little excitement in their bite.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melty, stretchy, and oh-so-cheesy for maximum gooey deliciousness throughout.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: The salty, nutty layer that echoes all the best parts of classic chicken parm.
Cooked Pasta (penne or rotini): Choose your favorite shape—these pasta pieces catch every bit of sauce and cheese.
Seasoned Breadcrumbs: Essential for that signature golden, crunchy finish on top.
Melted Butter: Tossed with breadcrumbs to ensure every bite of topping tastes buttery and bakes up perfectly crisp.
Fresh Basil for Garnish: The finishing touch! Fresh basil brings a burst of color and a pop of bright flavor.

How to Make Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish

Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and giving your 9×13-inch baking dish a light greasing with oil or nonstick spray. This simple step is key—it keeps your Chicken Parmesan Casserole from sticking and makes serving (and cleanup!) a breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Chicken, Sauce, and Seasonings

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, marinara sauce, garlic powder, dried basil, and, if you like a little kick, those red pepper flakes. Stir everything together so every bite gets seasoned and saucy. This forms the deeply flavorful base of your Chicken Parmesan Casserole.

Step 3: Add Pasta and Some Cheese

To the same bowl, stir in your cooked pasta, half of the shredded mozzarella, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Folding the cheese in now means you get that classic gooey interior—each piece of pasta and chicken gets just a bit creamier.

Step 4: Transfer and Top

Spoon the mixture into your prepared baking dish and even it out gently with a spatula. Scatter the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top, setting the stage for that irresistible, bubbling cheese layer you’ll get after baking.

Step 5: Prepare and Add the Breadcrumb Topping

In a small bowl, combine seasoned breadcrumbs with melted butter and toss well so every crumb is coated. Sprinkle this mixture generously over your casserole. This will bake up into a golden, crispy lid that contrasts beautifully with the cheesy, saucy goodness underneath.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide your casserole into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the breadcrumb topping is gorgeously golden brown. Let it sit for five minutes—this resting time helps the casserole set, making serving so much easier and ensuring you don’t lose any precious sauce!

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Right before you bring it to the table, shower the top with chopped fresh basil. That bit of green instantly lifts the whole dish with freshness and Italian flair—making your Chicken Parmesan Casserole look as wonderful as it tastes.

How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Garnishes

Nothing wakes up a bubbling casserole like a blanket of chopped fresh basil sprinkled just before serving. For extra flair, you could even add a few shavings of Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil. These garnishes add punchy color and a layer of freshness to every cheesy forkful of Chicken Parmesan Casserole.

Side Dishes

This casserole is filling enough to be the star of the table, but pairing it with simple sides rounds out the meal beautifully. Try a tangy green salad with balsamic vinaigrette or roasted broccoli for brightness and crunch. And of course, warm garlic bread is practically mandatory for soaking up every drop of marinara and cheese.

Creative Ways to Present

For family dinners, serve the Chicken Parmesan Casserole bubbling hot from the baking dish, letting everyone help themselves. If you’re feeling fancy or feeding a crowd, try baking in individual ramekins for personalized portions. Leftovers? Pile a generous scoop onto toasted ciabatta for the best-ever sandwich, or spoon it over a bed of sautéed spinach for a lighter take.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Chicken Parmesan Casserole will taste amazing the next day! Let the dish cool to room temperature before covering tightly with foil or transferring to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3 days, and you’ll have quick, comforting lunches or dinners ready when you are.

Freezing

This casserole is freezer-friendly—perfect for stashing away a batch for busy weeks. Assemble the dish (but hold off on baking), wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge, top with breadcrumbs, and bake as directed.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Chicken Parmesan Casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered with foil to prevent drying out, until heated through (about 20 minutes). For single portions, a few minutes in the microwave works great. Add a sprinkle of extra cheese on top before reheating for an extra-melty finish!

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this Chicken Parmesan Casserole?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a delicious and convenient shortcut—it’s tender, flavorful, and ready to use, saving you tons of prep time while making your Chicken Parmesan Casserole even easier.

Can I add vegetables to Chicken Parmesan Casserole?

Of course! Feel free to sauté spinach, mushrooms, or chopped bell peppers and mix them in with the chicken and sauce. It’s an effortless way to add extra nutrition, flavor, and color to every bite.

What pasta shapes work best?

Short, sturdy pasta shapes like penne or rotini are the top picks—they hold onto sauce and cheese perfectly, ensuring every scoop of Chicken Parmesan Casserole is extra satisfying and never mushy.

Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes! Swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Just double-check your marinara and cheese labels to be certain everything is safe for your dietary needs.

Can I assemble Chicken Parmesan Casserole ahead of time?

Definitely! Assemble everything except the breadcrumb topping, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the buttery crumbs just before baking so your casserole comes out with that desired crispy finish.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so comforting about sharing a big, bubbly dish like Chicken Parmesan Casserole with people you care about. Whether it’s a weeknight or a special family Sunday, this meal brings together everything you love about Italian-American food in one easy bake. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised when it becomes a most-requested favorite at your table!

Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a comforting and flavorful twist on the classic Italian dish. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or for a cozy family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Casserole:

3 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or diced)
3 cups marinara sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini)

For the Topping:

1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons melted butter
Fresh basil for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare the Casserole: In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken, marinara sauce, garlic powder, basil, and red pepper flakes. Add cooked pasta and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Transfer to the baking dish and top with remaining cheeses.
Add the Topping: In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole.
Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Let cool slightly, garnish with fresh basil, and serve.