Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that combines tender pieces of breaded chicken, marinara sauce, pasta, and melted cheese baked into one irresistible casserole. It’s a family-friendly meal that brings the classic Italian-American favorite into an easy, all-in-one dinner option.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a practical take on the traditional dish, saving you time without sacrificing flavor. It’s crispy, saucy, cheesy, and perfect for both weeknights and gatherings. You’ll love the contrast of the crispy chicken with gooey cheese and flavorful marinara sauce—all baked to perfection. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly and can be prepped ahead of time.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Rigatoni or penne pasta
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Mozzarella cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Marinara sauce
• All-purpose flour
• Seasoned salt
• Black pepper
• Eggs
• Italian breadcrumbs
• Vegetable oil
• Butter
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta
   Boil the pasta for 1 minute less than al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken
   Slice chicken breasts into thin strips. Season with salt and pepper. Dredge in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat in breadcrumbs.
   Heat oil in a skillet and fry the chicken until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and cut into bite-sized pieces.
3. Assemble the Casserole
   Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
   In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
   In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the pasta mixture, then half of the chicken, followed by half of the remaining cheeses. Repeat the layers.
4. Bake
   Bake uncovered for 25 minutes. For a crispier top, increase oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake an additional 5 minutes.
5. Garnish and Serve
   Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6 to 8
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Use Rotisserie Chicken
  Skip breading and frying by using shredded rotisserie chicken. For added crunch, top with buttered breadcrumbs before baking.
• Different Cheese
  Mix in provolone or fontina for added depth of flavor.
• Vegetarian Version
  Substitute chicken with breaded eggplant slices or roasted vegetables.
• Gluten-Free Option
  Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs to make this suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze baked or unbaked casserole wrapped tightly for up to 2 months.
• To Reheat: If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 20–25 minutes. Individual portions can be reheated in the microwave.

FAQs

What type of pasta works best for this casserole?

Penne or rigatoni are ideal due to their sturdy shape and ability to hold the sauce well.

Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?

Yes, any quality marinara or pasta sauce will work well in this recipe.

Do I have to fry the chicken first?

Frying adds crispiness, but you can use baked or grilled chicken for a lighter version.

Can this be made ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole up to two days ahead and refrigerate. Let it come to room temperature before baking.

How do I make it more saucy?

Use up to 48 oz of marinara sauce if you prefer a saucier casserole.

What’s a good cheese alternative to mozzarella?

Provolone, fontina, or a mix of Italian cheeses can be used for variety.

How do I keep the chicken crispy in the casserole?

Add chicken pieces on top just before baking to help maintain crispness.

Can I skip the pasta?

Yes, you can make a lower-carb version by omitting pasta and using extra chicken or vegetables.

Is this freezer-friendly?

Absolutely. Assemble and freeze before baking or freeze leftovers after cooking.

How long should I bake it if frozen?

Bake from frozen at 375°F for about 45–55 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.

Conclusion

Chicken Parmesan Casserole delivers the comfort of a classic dish with the ease of a one-pan bake. Whether you’re feeding a family or preparing meals ahead of time, this recipe offers versatility, deliciousness, and satisfaction. Serve it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.

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