Description
This cozy Chicken Parmesan Casserole takes all the flavors of classic chicken parm tender chicken, tangy marinara, and plenty of cheese and tucks them into an easy, bubbly baked dish. With pasta baked right in and a crisp breadcrumb topping, it’s a hearty, family-friendly dinner that comes together fast and feels like comfort in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup cooked pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Olive oil or nonstick spray, for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or nonstick spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, marinara sauce, cooked pasta, mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is evenly coated and well mixed.
- Spoon the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer so it bakes uniformly.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top to create a crunchy, golden crust. If desired, drizzle lightly with olive oil for extra crispness.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly around the edges and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes to set slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving warm.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken to make this casserole even faster on busy nights.
- If your marinara sauce is very thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth so the casserole stays moist while baking.
- Letting the casserole rest briefly after baking helps it slice more neatly and allows the flavors to meld.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Casserole, Pasta
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 350 kcal (approx.)
- Sugar: 4 g (approx.)
- Sodium: 650 mg (approx.)
- Fat: 15 g (approx.)
- Saturated Fat: 7 g (approx.)
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g (approx.)
- Trans Fat: 0 g (approx.)
- Carbohydrates: 28 g (approx.)
- Fiber: 2 g (approx.)
- Protein: 26 g (approx.)
- Cholesterol: 80 mg (approx.)
Keywords: chicken parmesan casserole, baked chicken pasta, easy chicken dinner, cheesy casserole, weeknight comfort food