Transform the beloved Chicken Parmesan into an easy-to-make casserole with “Comforting Classic: Chicken Parmesan Casserole.” This dish combines tender chicken, savory marinara sauce, and melted cheese, all layered over pasta for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Enjoy the classic flavors of Chicken Parmesan in a convenient, one-pan dish.
Why You’ll Love Chicken Parmesan Casserole:
- Family-Friendly: A hit with both kids and adults.
- Easy Preparation: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
- Comfort Food: Rich, cheesy, and full of flavor.
- Versatile: Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients Notes For Chicken Parmesan Casserole:
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Pasta: Penne or rigatoni works well.
- Marinara Sauce: Your favorite store-bought or homemade marinara sauce.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded for gooey, melty goodness.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated for added flavor.
- Breadcrumbs: Panko or Italian-style for a crispy topping.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing the chicken.
- Garlic: Minced for added flavor.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs to enhance the dish.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
- Fresh Basil or Parsley: Chopped for garnish.
Recipe Steps:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Pasta:
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook 12 ounces of pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add 2-3 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, and 3 cups of marinara sauce. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole.
- Prepare the Topping:
- In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
- Bake:
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
- Serve:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley before serving.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken shredded or diced
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Prepare the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken with the marinara sauce. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread the chicken and marinara mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the chicken mixture.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the mozzarella.
Prepare the Breadcrumb Topping:
- In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, garlic powder, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until the breadcrumbs are well coated with the butter and seasonings.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown and crispy.
Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley, if desired.
- Serve the Chicken Parmesan Casserole hot, with a side of pasta, a green salad, or garlic bread.
