Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a comforting dish that brings together all the beloved flavors of Chicken Parmesan in an easily shareable, family-friendly format. Picture tender chicken, gooey cheese, and zesty marinara all layered with pasta and baked to perfection. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe is bound to impress. I’ve made it countless times, and each time I’m reminded of how it awakens nostalgic memories of family dinners.

Why you’ll love this dish

This Chicken Parmesan Casserole is truly special for a handful of reasons. First, it’s incredibly quick to prepare, especially if you opt for shredded rotisserie chicken. After a long day, having a meal that comes together in under an hour is a game-changer! It’s budget-friendly, making it ideal for families; you can feed a crowd without breaking the bank. Plus, the combination of flavors makes it a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike, often becoming an instant favorite for dinner parties or casual family get-togethers.

"I made this last week and my kids couldn’t stop raving about it! It’s like a hug in a dish. Definitely a new weeknight staple!"

The cooking process explained

Making Chicken Parmesan Casserole is straightforward and satisfying. You’ll start by sautéing the seasoned chicken, then combine it with pasta, marinara, and cheeses. After mixing everything together, it goes into a baking dish to bubble away in the oven. With each step, you’ll find how simple it is to create a warm, hearty dish that everyone will love.

What you’ll need

To whip up this delicious casserole, gather the following ingredients:

4 cups cooked chicken, shredded (Using rotisserie chicken saves time!)
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cups cooked pasta (Penne or rotini works great!)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Feel free to get creative—swap out the cheeses or use gluten-free pasta for dietary needs!

Step-by-step instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the shredded chicken, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and heat for about 5 minutes until everything is warmed through.
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, half of the Parmesan, and half of the mozzarella. Mix well.
Add the seasoned chicken to the pasta mixture, blending all the ingredients until evenly distributed.
Pour the combined mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil, then continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Let it cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if using.
Serve warm and enjoy!

Best ways to enjoy it

This casserole is delightful on its own, but for a complete meal, consider serving it with a fresh green salad or garlic bread. A side of roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli can also add a nutritious touch. For drinks, a crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon pairs beautifully.

Storage and reheating tips

After enjoying this tasty dish, if you have leftovers (which is a big "if"), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, simply pop it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions for a quick meal. If you plan to store it longer, freeze it before baking. Wrap well in foil and it can last up to 3 months in the freezer!

Helpful cooking tips

To enhance the flavor, consider adding some sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the mixture. If you love spice, a pinch of red pepper flakes would give it a delicious kick. For an extra touch of crispiness, broil the casserole for a couple of minutes at the end of baking!

Creative twists

Feel free to switch it up! Use different types of cheese like gouda or cheddar for a unique flavor profile. For a healthier version, substitute the pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. You could even use different proteins like ground turkey or sausage for a flavorful variation.

Common questions

How long does this casserole take to prepare?
Preparing and baking this Chicken Parmesan Casserole takes about 45-50 minutes, depending on your cooking pace.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes! Just ensure to fully cook it before shredding and using it in the recipe.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! This casserole freezes well. Just be sure to freeze it prior to baking for best results, and thaw it in the fridge before cooking.

Cooking this Chicken Parmesan Casserole is not just about getting dinner on the table; it’s about creating delicious, comforting memories for you and your loved ones. Dive in and enjoy every cheesy bite!

Chicken Parmesan Casserole

A comforting dish that combines tender chicken, gooey cheese, and zesty marinara, all layered with pasta and baked to perfection.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 40

Total Time 55

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 8 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

4 cups cooked chicken, shredded Using rotisserie chicken saves time!
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cups cooked pasta Penne or rotini works great!

Seasoning

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish

Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preparation

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the shredded chicken, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and heat for about 5 minutes until everything is warmed through.

Mixing

In a separate mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, half of the Parmesan, and half of the mozzarella. Mix well.
Add the seasoned chicken to the pasta mixture, blending all the ingredients until evenly distributed.

Baking

Pour the combined mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil, then continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Let it cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if using.
Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

This casserole is delightful on its own, but consider serving it with a fresh green salad or garlic bread. For storage, keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Keyword Casserole, Chicken Parmesan, comfort food, Family-Friendly, Pasta