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Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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