Description
Easy Chicken Parmesan Casserole combines tender chicken, pasta,
marinara sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan and crispy Italian breadcrumbs
in one cozy baked dinner. It delivers the familiar flavors of
chicken Parmesan without breading and frying individual cutlets.
Ingredients
3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
1 pound penne or rigatoni pasta, cooked al dente
3 cups marinara sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
Garlic bread, optional for serving
Green salad, optional for serving
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
2. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions, drain well, and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
3. Add the cooked chicken, marinara sauce, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, optional red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir until evenly coated.
4. Spread half of the chicken and pasta mixture in the casserole dish and sprinkle with some of the mozzarella and Parmesan.
5. Add the remaining chicken and pasta mixture, then cover it evenly with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
6. Combine the Italian breadcrumbs with olive oil and toss until evenly moistened. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs loosely across the casserole.
7. Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese melts, the sauce bubbles, and the breadcrumbs turn golden.
9. Remove the casserole from the oven and rest it for 5 to 10 minutes.
10. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Cook the pasta only until al dente because it will continue cooking in the oven.
Use leftover roasted chicken or simply cooked chicken breast for faster preparation.
Add the breadcrumb topping shortly before baking if you assemble the casserole ahead.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Add a spoonful of marinara before reheating if the pasta appears dry.
Estimated nutrition varies according to the brands, quantities, and portion sizes used.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
Keywords: Chicken Parmesan Casserole, easy chicken casserole, chicken parmesan pasta casserole, cheesy chicken casserole, easy family dinner