Chicken Parmesan Casserole

introduction

Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a cozy, family-friendly bake that layers tender shredded chicken, pasta, marinara, and melty cheese for an easy weeknight meal. If you enjoy hearty casseroles, you might also like this Chicken Blue Ribbon Casserole recipe for another crowd-pleasing option.

why make this recipe

This casserole takes classic chicken Parmesan flavors and turns them into a hands-off, sharable dish. It’s fast when you use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken, feeds a crowd, reheats well, and delivers comforting, saucy, cheesy results with minimal fuss.

how to make Chicken Parmesan Casserole

This dish is essentially a layered pasta-and-chicken bake — brown a little seasoned chicken, toss everything with marinara and cheeses, then bake until bubbly and golden. It’s forgiving: swap pasta shapes, adjust cheeses, or add vegetables to suit your pantry.

Ingredients :

• 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded (You can use rotisserie chicken to save time.)
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups cooked pasta (e.g., penne or rotini)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• to taste salt
• to taste pepper
• for garnish fresh basil or parsley (Optional garnish.)

Directions :

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the shredded chicken, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and heat for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, half of the Parmesan cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix well.
4. Add the seasoned chicken to the pasta mixture and mix until everything is evenly distributed.
5. Pour the casserole mixture into the greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it evenly.
6. Top the casserole with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
7. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
9. Once done, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if using.
10. Serve warm and enjoy!

how to serve Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Serve slices straight from the baking dish while hot. Pair with a simple green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A drizzle of extra marinara or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds brightness and heat for those who like it spicy.

how to store Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Cool completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. For longer storage, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2–3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

tips to make Chicken Parmesan Casserole

• Use rotisserie or leftover roasted chicken to cut prep time.
• Cook pasta just to al dente so it doesn’t become mushy after baking.
• If you prefer a crispier top, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end—watch closely to avoid burning.
• Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or roasted peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Taste and adjust seasoning before baking; sauces and cheeses vary in saltiness.

variation (if any)

• Italian Sausage: Swap half the chicken for cooked Italian sausage for a heartier version.
• Pesto Twist: Stir 1/2 cup pesto into the marinara for a basil-forward variation.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and verify marinara is GF-friendly.
• Low-carb: Replace pasta with cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini; reduce baking time accordingly.

Conclusion

For a ready-made reference and another take on this comforting bake, check out this detailed Chicken Parmesan Casserole write-up on The Cozy Cook.