If you’re looking for a hearty, cheesy dinner that delivers all the flavor of a restaurant favorite, look no further than this Chicken Parmesan Casserole!
Everything bakes together in one dish, so it’s incredibly easy to prepare for busy weeknights when you also want a cozy pasta dinner without the extra fuss.
Did you know chicken parmesan is thought to have originated in Italian-American kitchens, where cooks topped breaded cutlets with tomato sauce and melted cheese? With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy that classic taste in one casserole, and if you love saucy pasta bakes, try this cheesy beef taco pasta too.
Let’s dive into the ingredients, preparation, and some tips to make this dish truly shine!
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Ingredients for Chicken Parmesan Casserole
To create the perfect casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Essential Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta cooked al dente
- 24 ounce jar marinara sauce choose a brand you already love
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning to build a herby base
- ½ teaspoon salt for the chicken
- ¼ teaspoon pepper for the chicken
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder for the chicken
- 1⅓ cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided between the layers and the topping
- 1 pound chicken breasts cut into bite-size cubes
- ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese for the topping
- Fresh basil for topping
Optional Ingredients
- 1 cup baby spinach stirred into the sauce for extra greens
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes for a gentle kick of heat
How to Prepare the Casserole
Follow these steps to get the base ready for the oven:
- Preheat and Cook the Pasta: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne for about 8 minutes, until just al dente, then drain well.
- Season the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the chicken cubes with ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, and ¼ teaspoon garlic powder until evenly coated.
- Mix the Sauce: In a large bowl, stir the marinara sauce and 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning together, then add the drained penne and toss until every noodle is coated.
Assembly: Bringing It All Together
Once the pasta and chicken are prepped, it’s time to assemble your casserole!
- Layer the Casserole: Spread half of the sauced penne in the baking dish, scatter the seasoned chicken evenly over it, and sprinkle 1 cup of the mozzarella on top.
- Add the Remaining Pasta: Spoon the rest of the penne over the layers, then sprinkle with the remaining ⅓ cup mozzarella and the ⅓ cup parmesan.
- Bake Until Bubbly: Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10 minutes, until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is golden.
- Garnish: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes, then scatter torn fresh basil over the top before serving.
Variations and Customizations
One of the great things about this casserole is its versatility!
- Vegetable Additions: Stir sliced zucchini, bell peppers, or baby spinach into the sauce for a lighter, more colorful bake.
- Alternative Proteins: Swap the chicken for cubed turkey breast or cooked Italian sausage, adjusting the bake time until the center is fully cooked.
- Lighter Pasta: Use whole wheat penne or chickpea pasta for extra fiber and protein.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the marinara or sprinkle crushed red pepper over the finished casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this casserole with a simple green side like sautéed mushrooms with spinach to balance the rich, cheesy pasta.
For drinks, a crisp sparkling water with lemon or a light Chianti complements the tomato sauce and herbs beautifully.
Conclusion
In just a few simple steps, you’ve created a bubbling, cheesy Chicken Parmesan Casserole that is sure to become a family favorite.
It’s a reliable choice for weeknight dinners, and it also makes excellent meal prep for lunches later in the week.
Don’t hesitate to get creative with your toppings and ingredients, because there’s no limit to how you can customize this recipe!
Try it today and experience the deliciousness for yourself!
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I use ground turkey or sausage instead of chicken?
Yes, ground turkey or cooked Italian sausage works well, so simply brown it first and drain the fat before layering it into the dish.
What should I serve with Chicken Parmesan Casserole?
A crisp green salad or garlic bread is a classic pairing that soaks up the extra sauce and cheese.
How can I store leftovers?
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, then reheat individual portions covered in the microwave until hot.
Chicken Parmesan Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Chicken Parmesan Casserole features tender chicken cubes and penne baked in herby marinara sauce, then topped with bubbly mozzarella and parmesan for all the flavor of the classic dish. It’s a perfect one-dish dinner for busy weeknights or meal prepping lunches for the week.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta, cooked al dente
- 24 ounce jar marinara sauce, choose a brand you already love
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, to build a herby base
- ½ teaspoon salt, for the chicken
- ¼ teaspoon pepper, for the chicken
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, for the chicken
- 1⅓ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided between the layers and the topping
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into bite-size cubes
- ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese, for the topping
- fresh basil, for topping
- 1 cup baby spinach, optional, stirred into the sauce for extra greens
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional, for a gentle kick of heat
Instructions
- Preheat and Cook the Pasta: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne for about 8 minutes, until just al dente, then drain well.
- Season the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the chicken cubes with ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, and ¼ teaspoon garlic powder until evenly coated.
- Mix the Sauce: In a large bowl, stir the marinara sauce and 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning together, then add the drained penne and toss until every noodle is coated.
- Layer the Casserole: Spread half of the sauced penne in the baking dish, scatter the seasoned chicken evenly over it, and sprinkle 1 cup of the mozzarella on top.
- Add the Remaining Pasta: Spoon the rest of the penne over the layers, then sprinkle with the remaining ⅓ cup mozzarella and the ⅓ cup parmesan.
- Bake Until Bubbly: Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10 minutes, until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is golden.
- Garnish: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes, then scatter torn fresh basil over the top before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
