Chicken Parmesan Casserole

This Chicken Parmesan Casserole is simple enough for a weekday dinner yet impressive enough for company. Serve it with a spring mix side salad and warm garlic bread for a filling meal ideal for family style dining and entertaining.

Ingredients to Make Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

Busy weeknights may not always be the best time to serve classic chicken parm. This pasta recipe features all of the same flavors of classic chicken parmesan combined in a casserole for a family friendly option. The seasoned chicken breasts are pan seared for just a few minutes prior to adding them to the casserole dish with the other ingredients. Preparing the chicken this way, keeps the calories on the lighter side, but I have other options listed below for you to customize the flavor to your taste. Ingredients to make a simple Chicken Parmesan Casserole: (Scroll down for full printable recipe card.)

• Pasta – One pound box penne pasta.
• Chicken – Boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced into 1-inch cubes.
• Oil – Olive oil or vegetable oil for browning the chicken.
• Onion – Sweet onion, white onion or yellow onion for a stronger onion flavor.
• Seasonings – Two teaspoons dry Italian seasoning, one teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper and 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.
• Fresh Garlic – 3 medium garlic cloves finely minced.
• Tomato Sauce– 6 cups prepared marinara sauce i.e. Bertolli or a similar brand that you enjoy.
• Shredded Cheese – 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese.
• Breadcrumb Topping: Italian seasoned panko breadcrumbs or classic dried breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, granulated garlic, unsalted butter.
• Garnish – Fresh parsley or basil for serving.

How to Make the BEST Chicken Parmesan Casserole

• Pasta – Cook the penne pasta in salted water per the package instructions in a large pot. Drain well then add back to the pasta pot. A large pot will double as a mixing bowl.
• Prepare Casserole Dish – Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
• Chicken – Season chicken cubes on all sides using salt and black pepper. Drizzle a large skillet with olive oil over medium high heat. Add chicken and cook for 3-5 minutes or until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet using a slotted spoon.
• Onion and Garlic – To the skillet add diced onion and crushed red pepper flakes. Continue to cook over medium high heat just until softened scraping any brown bits from the bottom of pan. Add garlic cooking until fragrant. Remove from heat.
• Combine – To the cooked penne pasta add cooked chicken, onion, Italian seasoning, marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. Stir, then pour the pasta mixture into the baking dish.
• Tomato Sauce – Pour marinara sauce on top and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
• Bread Crumbs – Mix together panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese and granulated garlic with butter. Sprinkle on top.
• Oven – Bake per the cook time in the recipe until the top is golden brown.
• Garnish – Serve immediately garnished with fresh parsley or fresh basil.

Tips for Making Chicken Parmesan Casserole

• Kitchen Tools You’ll Need: Pasta pot, sharp knife and chopping board, measuring cups and spoons, cheese grater, medium skillet and large silicone spatula or spoon.
• Choose a Quality Tomato Sauce: Choose a delicious prepared marinara sauce or spaghetti sauce that you already enjoy. Bertolli 4 cheese or similar is a terrific choice.
• Side Dishes to Serve with Parmesan Chicken Casserole: You can serve this chicken parm with roasted broccoli, a side salad, garlic bread or pizza for the kiddos for a meal the whole family will love.
• Make-Ahead Tip: You can fully assemble this casserole one day in advance and chill it in the fridge. Remove it from the fridge and allow 15-20 minutes on the counter to warm to room temperature then bake it per the recipe.
• When to Serve Chicken Parmesan: This dish is perfect for casual family dinners, entertaining and potluck gatherings.

Recipe Variations

• Chicken Substitutions: This recipe begins with cubed boneless skinless chicken breasts. For a timesaver you could use any leftover or cooked chicken in this recipe. Rotisserie chicken, poached chicken, roasted chicken or grilled chicken. You will need around 3 cups of chopped chicken.
• Use Breaded Chicken: You can also make this dish using 12 frozen breaded chicken tenders. Use your favorite brand and prepare them per the package instructions in the oven or air fryer. Once cooked slice into bite size pieces.
• Pasta: You could use another pasta for this recipe such as ziti or rotini.
• Alternate Crumb Topping: You can use fresh breadcrumbs or crushed croutons for the topping. Adjust the amount of parmesan cheese and melted butter, if needed. Sprinkle it on top just before baking.

Storage and Leftovers

• Leftovers: Store baked Chicken Parmesan Casserole chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in single servings in the microwave.
• Freezer Storage: Store Chicken Parm Casserole frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in a 350°F oven with a piece of aluminum foil on top for a quick and easy freezer meal. You can also freeze this casserole prior to baking

More Easy Chicken Recipes to Make

• Lemon Butter Chicken with tarragon comes together in minutes on the stovetop.
• Chicken Cordon Bleu Noodle Casserole inspired by classic cordon bleu.
• Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs.
• Biscuit Topped Chicken Pot Pie is comfort food personified.
• Better than a restaurant Tuscan Chicken with spinach and sun dried tomatoes.
• Bacon Wrapped Barbecue Chicken Breasts only require four ingredients to make!
• Crockpot Chicken and Rice is a one pot meal.
• Thai Tumeric Chicken from Recipe Tin Eats.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• 13×9-inch Dish
• Cheese Grater
• Spatula
• Chopping Board and Knives