If you’ve ever longed for that warm, comforting taste of a classic Italian favorite but crave something easier to whip up on busy nights, this Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe will be your new best friend. It brings together perfectly cooked penne pasta, tender shredded chicken, rich spaghetti sauce, and gooey layers of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese to create a beautifully baked dish bursting with flavor and heartiness. Every bite delivers that irresistible combination of creamy, savory, and cheesy goodness that’s simple to prepare but impressive enough to serve any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in building the unforgettable layers of taste and texture for this Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe. From the pasta that provides body to the cheese that offers melty richness, every component works in harmony to create a crowd-pleaser.
- 16 ounces penne pasta: Holds sauce beautifully and offers a perfect bite-friendly shape.
- 1 pound cooked chicken (shredded): Adds protein and tender, hearty texture to the casserole.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that infuses classic Italian flavors into the dish.
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded and divided): Melts smoothly for creamy, stringy goodness over the casserole.
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (shredded and divided): Brings a sharp, nutty depth that enriches the dish’s overall flavor.
- 32 ounces spaghetti sauce: Provides a tangy, savory foundation that ties everything together.
- Chopped parsley (optional): Adds a pop of fresh color and a subtle herbal brightness when sprinkled on top.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Start by heating your oven to 350°F while cooking the penne pasta according to the package directions. Be sure to cook it just until al dente so it holds its shape in the casserole without getting mushy after baking. Once done, drain thoroughly and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Mix the Key Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, Italian seasoning, half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, and all of the spaghetti sauce. Stir everything carefully but thoroughly until the mixture is evenly coated and all those incredible flavors come together. This step ensures every bite of the casserole is bursting with moisture and cheesy goodness.
Step 3: Bake the Base Layer
Transfer your mixture into a 9×13 baking dish, smoothing it out evenly. Cover the dish tightly with foil to keep the moisture locked in while baking. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes so all the flavors marry beautifully and the sauce starts bubbling around the edges.
Step 4: Add the Cheesy Topping
Take your casserole out and remove the foil gently. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses generously over the top to create that golden, melty crust. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is perfectly melted and slightly bubbly.
Step 5: The Finishing Touch
Once out of the oven, scatter chopped parsley over the surface for a fresh, inviting look and a slight herbal lift. Serve this delightful Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe right away and watch everyone grab seconds (or thirds!).
How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling fresh chopped parsley is a classic choice to brighten the casserole’s rich colors and flavors. You could also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to add silkiness to each bite.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in balsamic vinaigrette, or some garlicky roasted vegetables for extra depth. Garlic bread or soft dinner rolls also make fantastic companions to soak up the delicious sauce left on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style dinner, serve straight from the baking dish and let everyone help themselves. Alternatively, spoon portions into individual oven-safe ramekins and broil the cheese a touch more for personalized crispy tops, making the meal feel extra special and fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It makes a perfect next-day lunch or dinner, convenient and just as comforting as fresh.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully! To freeze, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you want to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftover casserole in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, usually about 20 minutes, or microwave individual portions on medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes. If reheating from frozen, allow extra time and consider covering the dish to prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked chicken?
Absolutely! If using raw chicken, I recommend cooking it fully first by baking or sautéing, then shredding before adding it to the casserole mixture to ensure your dish cooks evenly and safely.
Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, just swap the penne pasta for a gluten-free variety and verify that your spaghetti sauce and seasonings are gluten-free as well. The rest of the ingredients naturally fit a gluten-free diet.
Can I add vegetables to this Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe?
Definitely! Adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers is a wonderful way to sneak in extra veggies without sacrificing flavor. Just toss them in with the pasta and chicken before baking.
What’s the best type of cheese to use?
Mozzarella and Parmesan are classic for good reasons—they give creaminess and sharpness, respectively. Using freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded will boost melt quality and flavor.
How do I prevent the casserole from being too watery?
Be sure to drain your cooked pasta well before mixing, and use a thicker spaghetti sauce. Also, covering the dish during the initial baking helps keep moisture in while avoiding sogginess by uncovering and finishing with cheese on top.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, cheesy, and full of satisfying flavor all at once. It’s simple enough for a weeknight, yet special enough to impress friends and family. Once you try it, I bet it’ll become a regular staple in your meal rotation too. So go ahead, gather those ingredients, and make some magic happen in your kitchen tonight!
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Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a comforting baked dish combining tender penne pasta, shredded cooked chicken, rich spaghetti sauce, and a generous blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfectly seasoned with Italian herbs and baked to golden, bubbly perfection, this casserole is an easy and family-friendly meal ready in just over an hour.
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 16 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound cooked chicken, shredded
Cheeses
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded and divided
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded and divided
Other Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 32 ounces spaghetti sauce
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Cook Pasta: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, Italian seasoning, ½ cup mozzarella cheese, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, and the entire 32 ounces of spaghetti sauce. Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well incorporated.
- Assemble and Bake: Spread the pasta and chicken mixture evenly into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the casserole to heat through.
- Add Cheese Topping and Continue Baking: Carefully remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 1½ cups mozzarella cheese and ½ cup Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Return it to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven, optionally sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a fresh, vibrant touch, then serve hot and enjoy this hearty meal.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken as a quick shortcut for cooked chicken.
- Feel free to substitute spaghetti sauce with marinara or your favorite tomato-based pasta sauce.
- For added texture, sprinkle some breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan before the final bake.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a lower-fat version, use part-skim cheeses and chicken breast without skin.
