Scrumptious Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Pasta Casserole Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand a hearty, comforting solution that satisfies every craving.

This cheesy chicken parmesan pasta casserole delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Golden-brown chicken nestles perfectly among tender pasta strands, creating a delightful harmony of textures.

Melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese blanket the dish in irresistible richness.

Herbs and spices add depth to every single bite, transforming simple ingredients into a memorable meal.

Packed with protein and guaranteed to please even picky eaters, this casserole promises to become a new family favorite.

One forkful and you’ll understand why this recipe is a true weeknight champion.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 7

What Goes Into Chicken Parmesan Pasta Casserole

• Pasta: Choose short pasta like penne or rotini for easy mixing and holding sauce.
• Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for lean protein and quick cooking.
• Marinara Sauce: Select a rich, homemade or high-quality jarred sauce for authentic flavor.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Pick fresh, whole milk mozzarella for creamy, stretchy texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Opt for freshly grated Parmesan for superior taste and melting quality.

• Italian Seasoning: Combines dried herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme for classic Italian profile.
• Garlic Powder: Adds deep, concentrated garlic flavor without fresh garlic's moisture.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for enhancing and balancing overall dish flavors.

• Breadcrumbs, Butter, Parmesan: Create a golden, crunchy layer that adds textural contrast to creamy casserole.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish for bright color and fresh herbal note.

Tools That Make This Cheesy Bake Simple

• Large pot: For boiling pasta in salted water.
• Colander: To drain pasta after cooking.
• Large mixing bowl: Combine pasta, chicken, sauce, and cheese.
• Small bowl: Mix breadcrumbs and melted butter topping.
• 9×13-inch casserole dish: Bake and serve the entire casserole.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Stir ingredients and spread mixture evenly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurately measure ingredients.
• Cheese grater: Optional, for freshly grated Parmesan.

Step-by-Step on Cooking This Pasta Casserole

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F and give your baking dish a quick butter massage to prevent sticking.

• Boil the Pasta

Cook those noodles in salty water until they’re perfectly tender, then drain and set them aside.

• Create the Flavor Explosion

Toss the pasta with shredded chicken, zesty marinara, aromatic seasonings, and a generous sprinkle of cheesy goodness. Mix until everything is beautifully coated.

• Layer the Casserole

Pour the mouthwatering mixture into your prepared dish, spreading it out evenly for maximum deliciousness.

• Add the Crunchy Topping

Combine breadcrumbs with melted butter and extra Parmesan to create a golden, crispy crown for your casserole.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the hot oven and let it bubble and brown for 25-30 minutes until it’s steaming and gorgeous.

• Serve and Enjoy

Sprinkle some fresh herbs on top if you’re feeling fancy, then dig into this comfort food masterpiece while it’s hot.

Tips to Make It Saucy, Cheesy, or Spicy

• Cook pasta just shy of al dente to prevent mushiness during baking, ensuring a tender texture in the final dish.
• Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Simply bake when ready to serve for a stress-free meal prep.
• Swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to make this dish celiac-friendly without losing the crispy topping.
• Easily substitute chicken with ground turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or plant-based chicken alternatives to keep the dish versatile and exciting for different dietary needs.
• Add red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb topping or mix some cayenne into the sauce for those who love a little extra kick in their comfort food.

How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Pasta with Sides

• Party Platter Perfection: Create an Italian-inspired appetizer spread by cutting the casserole into smaller squares and serving alongside garlic bread, antipasto salad, and marinated olives.
• Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle extra chopped fresh basil or parsley right before serving to add bright color and a burst of herbal freshness that elevates the entire dish.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Complement the rich, cheesy casserole with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or a crisp white Pinot Grigio to balance the robust flavors and enhance the dining experience.
• Leftover Lunch Magic: Transform remaining casserole into a delicious next-day meal by reheating and serving over a bed of mixed greens or stuffing into a warm toasted sub roll for a hearty sandwich.

Save Leftovers in a Way That Reheats Well

• Transfer leftovers to airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, ensuring food safety and maintaining delicious flavor profile.
• Store chicken parmesan pasta casserole in sealed containers for up to 4 days, keeping ingredients fresh and texture intact.
• Wrap casserole tightly in freezer-safe wrap or container, lasting up to 3 months without compromising taste or quality.
• Warm individual portions in microwave for 1-2 minutes, or reheat entire dish in oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes, adding splash of extra marinara sauce to prevent dryness.

Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Pasta Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Comfort meets elegance in this chicken parmesan pasta casserole, blending classic Italian-American flavors into one irresistible dish. Rich layers of golden chicken, melted cheese, and hearty pasta promise a satisfying meal that brings family together around the table.

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Ingredients

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• 12 ounces (340 g) penne or rigatoni pasta
• 2 cups cooked chicken (grilled, rotisserie, or breaded), diced or shredded
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prep and Preheat: Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and lightly coat a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Pasta Foundation: Cook pasta in generously salted water until tender yet firm, then drain and set aside, reserving a small amount of cooking liquid.
3. Flavor Fusion: In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine cooked pasta, diced chicken, rich marinara sauce, aromatic Italian seasoning, zesty garlic powder, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese, seasoning with salt and pepper to elevate the taste profile.
4. Assembly and Topping: Transfer the vibrant mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring even distribution, then create a crispy crown by blending breadcrumbs with melted butter and additional Parmesan, sprinkling this golden mixture across the surface.
5. Bake and Sizzle: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, watching for a bubbling texture and a beautifully bronzed top that signals perfect doneness.
6. Finishing Touch: Once removed from the oven, let the casserole rest briefly, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and serve piping hot, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.

Notes

• Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness, ensuring it retains a slight bite when baked in the casserole.
• Use pre-cooked, shredded rotisserie chicken for maximum flavor and convenience, or quickly pan-sear chicken breasts for a fresher taste.
• Toast breadcrumbs briefly before mixing with butter and Parmesan to enhance their crunch and prevent sogginess during baking.
• Replace regular pasta with gluten-free options or use zucchini noodles for a low-carb version, keeping the core flavors intact.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg