If you are searching for a heartwarming, crowd-pleasing dish to add to your dinner rotation, allow me to introduce you to this fantastic Chicken Parmesan Pasta Casserole Recipe. Combining the beloved flavors of classic chicken parmesan with comforting pasta baked to perfection, this casserole is a perfect harmony of cheesy, saucy, and savory goodness. It’s quick to assemble, deeply satisfying, and destined to become a favorite for family dinners or casual gatherings. Once you give this recipe a try, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this cozy Italian-American treasure!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s truly wonderful about this Chicken Parmesan Pasta Casserole Recipe is how it uses simple, familiar ingredients that come together to create something extraordinary. Each element plays an important role in building the layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish so irresistible.
- 12 ounces penne pasta: Cooked al dente to provide the perfect bite that holds up well during baking.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps warm up the chicken evenly.
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast: Shredded or diced for tender, protein-packed bites.
- 2 cups marinara sauce: Brings that tangy tomato richness essential to chicken parmesan flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that deepens the savory notes.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses subtle garlicky warmth without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Offers gentle sweetness and depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a slight kick of heat that balances the richness.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a little extra spark if you like some bite.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Gives a nutty, savory finish that’s classic to chicken parmesan.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided: Melts beautifully to create that luscious, gooey cheese layer on top and within.
- 1/2 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs: Mixed with butter to create a delightfully crunchy topping.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: Binds the breadcrumbs and adds buttery crispiness.
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh, herbal note and a pop of color at serving time.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Pasta Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Next, warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in your cooked chicken breast and sauté just long enough (about 2 to 3 minutes) to heat it through without drying it out. This step refreshes the chicken so it stays moist and flavorful in the casserole.
Step 2: Build the Sauce
Pour your marinara sauce into the skillet with the warmed chicken, then sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Stir everything together and let it simmer gently for about five minutes. This simmering helps all those herbs and spices marry perfectly with the tomato sauce, creating that signature chicken parmesan flavor base.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Cheese
In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooked penne pasta with the chicken and marinara sauce mixture. Add the grated Parmesan cheese along with half (1 cup) of your shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir until all the pasta is well coated and the cheeses start melting into the sauce, creating creamy pockets of cheesy goodness throughout the mixture.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the cheesy, saucy pasta and chicken mixture to your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top to ensure a beautifully bubbly, golden crust after baking.
Step 5: Add the Crunchy Topping and Bake
In a small bowl, mix your Italian-style breadcrumbs with the melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cheese layer in the casserole. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling hot around the edges.
How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Pasta Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley is more than just a pretty touch for this Chicken Parmesan Pasta Casserole Recipe—it adds a refreshing herbal aroma and a vibrant splash of green that brightens every forkful. Don’t skip this final layer of love when serving.
Side Dishes
For a complete meal, serve your casserole with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or some garlic bread to soak up the luscious sauce. Lightly steamed vegetables such as broccoli or green beans also make an excellent accompaniment, bringing a nice balance of freshness and texture.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining or want to elevate the presentation, try serving individual portions in ramekins baked with the same topping. You can also layer this casserole with roasted vegetables like zucchini or eggplant before baking to add complexity and color. A drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan just before serving is a delightful finishing touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Parmesan Pasta Casserole Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. It tastes even better the next day, once the flavors have had extra time to meld. Just be sure to cool the casserole completely before refrigerating to keep textures and flavors fresh.
Freezing
This casserole freezes wonderfully. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or store in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results. Freezing is a perfect way to meal prep or have a hearty dinner ready for busy nights.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave until just warmed through or bake the entire casserole at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for 15 to 20 minutes until hot and bubbly. For a crispier topping, remove the foil during the last five minutes of reheating. Adding a splash of water or marinara sauce before reheating prevents it from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for this Chicken Parmesan Pasta Casserole Recipe and saves time without sacrificing flavor. Just shred or dice the chicken and proceed with the recipe as directed.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables such as mushrooms, eggplant, or zucchini for a vegetarian version. You might also consider adding plant-based proteins like tofu or tempeh for texture.
What type of pasta works best in this casserole?
Penne pasta is ideal because its ridges and tubes hold onto the sauce beautifully, but rigatoni, rotini, or even fusilli work great too. Just ensure you cook the pasta al dente so it maintains firmness after baking.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time and bake later?
Yes! Assemble the casserole completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a bit more baking time if baking from cold, and keep an eye on the top to prevent over-browning.
How spicy is the casserole with crushed red pepper flakes?
The crushed red pepper adds a gentle heat that brightens the flavors but is definitely optional. Feel free to adjust or omit it depending on your heat preference or that of your guests.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Parmesan Pasta Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a big, comforting hug on a plate — cheesy, flavorful, and nourishing all at once. It’s straightforward enough for weeknight dinners but special enough to serve to friends and family any time. From the first golden, bubbling bite to the last, you’re sure to fall in love with it just as much as I have. Give it a try soon, and watch it become a beloved staple in your kitchen!
Print
Chicken Parmesan Pasta Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Chicken Parmesan Pasta Casserole is a comforting and flavorful Italian-American dish featuring penne pasta baked with tender chicken, marinara sauce, Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, and a crispy breadcrumb topping. It’s perfect for a hearty family meal and easy to prepare with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta, cooked al dente
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Topping
- 1/2 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Sauté Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the cooked chicken and sauté for 2–3 minutes, just to heat it through and enhance flavors.
- Add Sauce and Seasoning: Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Combine well and allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors meld together.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken Mixture: In a large bowl, mix the cooked penne pasta with the warm chicken and sauce mixture. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese until evenly distributed.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the pasta and chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Prepare and Add Topping: In a small bowl, mix the Italian-style breadcrumbs with the melted butter until the crumbs are coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole to create a crispy crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and the breadcrumb topping turns golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if preferred for dietary needs.
- Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the sauce for extra nutrition and flavor.
