Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a comforting, cheesy dish that combines tender chicken, flavorful marinara, and pasta in one easy bake. Perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd, this casserole brings all the classic flavors of Chicken Parmesan in a simple, hearty form.

Ingredients

• 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini recommended)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shredded chicken, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for about 5 minutes until the chicken is warmed through.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, marinara sauce, half of the Parmesan cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix thoroughly.
4. Step 4: Add the seasoned chicken to the pasta mixture and stir until well combined.
5. Step 5: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top.
7. Step 7: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
8. Step 8: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
9. Step 9: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to the chicken mixture before baking.
• Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary preferences.
• Try swapping mozzarella for provolone or fontina for a different cheesy twist.
• Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can give the dish a subtle spicy kick.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven reheating helps keep the cheese melty and delicious.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it covered for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.

What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Shredded cooked chicken works best. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut, but leftover roasted or boiled chicken will also be delicious.

Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 106 reviews

This Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a comforting, cheesy baked dish combining tender shredded chicken, marinara sauce, pasta, and a rich blend of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Perfect for a family dinner, it layers classic Italian flavors in a simple one-dish meal that’s both hearty and satisfying.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Mixture

• 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Casserole

• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini recommended)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

Garnish (Optional)

• Fresh basil or parsley

Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
2. Season chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the shredded cooked chicken, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well and warm through for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
3. Combine pasta and sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the marinara sauce, half of the grated Parmesan cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the pasta is well coated.
4. Add chicken to pasta mixture: Fold the seasoned, warmed chicken into the pasta mixture, stirring gently until evenly distributed throughout.
5. Assemble casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour in the combined chicken and pasta mixture, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
6. Add cheese topping: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top of the casserole.
7. Bake covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to heat through and allow flavors to meld.
8. Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese topping bubbles and turns golden brown.
9. Rest and garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired for a pop of freshness.

Notes

• You can use any shredded cooked chicken for this recipe, such as rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken.
• Feel free to substitute the pasta shape with your favorite varieties like penne, rotini, or fusilli.
• For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes when seasoning the chicken.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
• To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure the marinara sauce contains no gluten ingredients.

Keywords: chicken parmesan casserole, baked chicken pasta, easy chicken dinner, cheesy casserole, Italian casserole