Chicken Parmesan Pasta Casserole

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Casserole is a comforting, all-in-one dish that combines the cheesy, crispy goodness of classic chicken parmesan with the heartiness of pasta. With tender chicken, rich marinara sauce, plenty of melted cheese, and a golden breadcrumb topping, this baked casserole is a family favorite that’s easy enough for weeknights and satisfying enough for Sunday dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• All the Flavor, Less Effort: No breading or frying required—just mix, layer, and bake.
• Hearty and Filling: A full meal in one casserole dish.
• Perfect for Leftovers: Tastes just as good the next day.
• Customizable: Use any pasta shape or cheese you have on hand.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta
• 2 cups cooked, shredded or diced chicken breast
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook pasta
   Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Combine base ingredients
   In a large bowl, mix together cooked chicken, marinara sauce, 1 cup mozzarella, 1/4 cup Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the cooked pasta and stir to coat evenly.
4. Assemble casserole
   Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
5. Add breadcrumb topping
   In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with olive oil or melted butter until evenly coated. Sprinkle the mixture over the top of the casserole.
6. Bake
   Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the topping is golden and crisp.
7. Cool and serve
   Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6–8
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Crispy Chicken Version: Top with sliced breaded chicken tenders before baking for a traditional texture.
• Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms or zucchini.
• Extra Cheesy: Add ricotta or provolone in layers for extra creaminess.
• Spicy Twist: Add crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy marinara.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Assemble and freeze (before baking) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
• Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat covered in a 350°F oven until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, it’s a great time-saver and works perfectly for this recipe.

What pasta works best?

Short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or rotini are ideal because they hold sauce well.

Can I use store-bought marinara?

Absolutely. Use your favorite brand or make your own if you prefer.

Do I need to pre-cook the chicken?

Yes, the chicken should be fully cooked before adding it to the casserole.

Can I assemble this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble up to a day ahead and store covered in the fridge. Add 10 extra minutes to the baking time.

How do I keep the topping crispy?

Bake uncovered for the last 10–15 minutes and use panko breadcrumbs mixed with oil or butter.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.

What cheeses can I substitute?

Provolone, fontina, or a blend of Italian cheeses work well.

Is this freezer-friendly?

Yes! Freeze before baking for the best results.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but use a larger baking dish or two 9×13 pans and adjust baking time as needed.

Conclusion

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleasing comfort food. It’s cheesy, saucy, and packed with flavor, offering everything you love about chicken parm in an easy-to-make pasta bake. Whether you’re serving it for dinner tonight or freezing it for later, this dish is a guaranteed hit.

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