Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting dish that combines tender chicken, gooey cheese, and classic Italian flavors in a simple, all-in-one meal, you have to try this Chicken Parmesan Casserole. This recipe takes the beloved Chicken Parmesan concept and turns it into a delightful, baked casserole that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd without any fuss. Imagine juicy chunks of chicken seasoned to perfection, nestled among rigatoni pasta and marinara sauce, all topped with a golden, bubbling cheese crust. It’s everything you love about Italian comfort food, made effortlessly in one dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Chicken Parmesan Casserole plays a crucial role in balancing flavors and textures, making your dinner both hearty and mouthwatering. From the savory herbs that elevate the chicken, to the cheeses that create that irresistible topping, these staples come together seamlessly for a rewarding cooking experience.

• 1 ½ lb chicken breasts: Skinless, boneless, and diced for quick cooking and easy bites.
• 4 garlic cloves (minced): Adds that punch of aromatic flavor that brings the whole dish alive.
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses the chicken with authentic Italian flair.
• 1 tsp oregano: Enhances the marinade with a subtle, earthy note.
• 16 oz rigatoni pasta (uncooked): The perfect pasta shape to hold sauce and melt-in-your-mouth cheese.
• 24 oz jar marinara sauce: Rich and tangy, it forms the heart of the casserole’s saucy base.
• 3 cups water: Helps cook the pasta inside the casserole without needing extra pots.
• 1 tsp salt: Balances the flavors beautifully.
• ½ tsp black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and depth.
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella: The melty, stringy cheese topping everyone swoons over.
• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs: Gives a crispy golden crust that contrasts the creamy layers.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Sharp and nutty, it intensifies the cheesy topping delight.
• Fresh basil (chopped): Brightens the finished casserole with a fresh herbal aroma.

How to Make Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and greasing your baking dish to prevent sticking. While that’s heating up, toss the diced chicken breasts with minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and oregano. Give it a good mix so every bite is packed with flavor, then let it sit for about 5 minutes to soak up those fragrant herbs.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Baking Dish

Next, add the uncooked rigatoni, marinara sauce, water, seasoned raw chicken, salt, and pepper all right into your prepared baking dish. This one-dish approach makes cleanup a breeze and keeps all the flavors mingling as the casserole bakes.

Step 3: Bake Covered to Cook Chicken and Pasta

Mix everything gently to spread the ingredients evenly, then cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. This cover keeps the moisture locked in so your pasta cooks perfectly alongside the chicken without drying out. Bake covered for 30 minutes, which allows the chicken to cook through and the pasta to soften in the rich sauce.

Step 4: Add the Cheese and Breadcrumb Topping

After baking, remove the foil and give the casserole a stir—it’s okay if there’s still some liquid left and the pasta feels a bit undercooked at this point. Sprinkle the top generously with shredded mozzarella, Panko breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese. This combination will melt into a deliciously golden, crunchy topping that defines the Chicken Parmesan Casserole experience.

Step 5: Final Bake to Melt and Brown

Return the uncovered casserole to the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes. During this time, the cheese will bubble and turn a stunning golden brown, while the pasta finishes cooking to tender perfection. Once done, let it cool slightly before garnishing.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil to add a bright, herbal contrast to the rich cheese and tomato sauce. Your Chicken Parmesan Casserole is now ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Garnishes

Adding fresh basil is a game changer for this casserole. The vibrant green not only looks gorgeous but provides a fresh pop to balance the richness of the cheese and sauce. For an extra touch, a light drizzle of good olive oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can elevate the dish even more.

Side Dishes

This Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil brings a refreshing crunch to the table. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette also pairs beautifully and helps mop up any extra sauce. If you want to keep it light, steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus complement the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd or meal prep, serve the Chicken Parmesan Casserole directly from the baking dish for that cozy, family-style appeal. Alternatively, scoop into individual ramekins for a restaurant-quality presentation that’s sure to impress. Garnishing each serving with additional fresh basil or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan makes each plate look as good as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chicken Parmesan Casserole keeps wonderfully in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to preserve freshness. This makes it a fantastic option for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.

Freezing

If you want to plan ahead, this casserole freezes beautifully. After baking and cooling completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers or foil trays. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the casserole or individual portions with foil and warm in a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven until heated through, about 20 to 30 minutes. For a quicker option, microwave servings until hot, adding a sprinkle of water or extra sauce to keep it moist as needed.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta instead of rigatoni?

Absolutely! While rigatoni is perfect for holding sauce and cheese, penne, ziti, or even penne rigate work beautifully too. Just make sure to adjust cooking times slightly depending on the pasta shape and size.

Is it okay to use pre-cooked chicken?

You can substitute pre-cooked chicken, but you’ll want to reduce the initial covered baking time since the pasta will still need to cook fully. Add the chicken partway through or mix it in with the sauce before baking to avoid overcooking.

Can I make this casserole dairy-free?

Yes! Swap out the mozzarella and Parmesan with your favorite dairy-free cheeses. Nutritional yeast sprinkled on top can also add a cheesy flavor without dairy.

How spicy is this Chicken Parmesan Casserole?

This recipe is mild and family-friendly, with just basic seasoning like Italian herbs and a touch of pepper. You can easily add red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you prefer more heat.

What’s the best way to get a crispy topping?

Using Panko breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese gives the topping extra crunch. Baking uncovered during the final few minutes helps it brown nicely. For an even crispier finish, you can broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching carefully so it doesn’t burn.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Parmesan Casserole is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. It’s easy to make, packed with classic flavors, and great for sharing with family or friends. Once you try it, this recipe will quickly become a favorite go-to dinner, perfect for when you want comfort food without complicated steps. Give it a shot and enjoy every cheesy, saucy bite!

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