I don’t know about you, but some nights, I’m all about a meal that’s comforting, cheesy, and doesn’t take a ton of time to pull together. That’s exactly what you get with this Chicken Parmesan Casserole.
It’s like all the best parts of Chicken Parmesan—the crispy chicken, gooey melted mozzarella, and tangy marinara—come together in one easy-to-make casserole. The first time I made this, it was a last-minute dinner fix, but it ended up being so good that it quickly became a go-to for busy nights.
My family loves it, and I know yours will too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy and Cheesy: The golden-brown topping adds the perfect crunch, while the melted mozzarella keeps it creamy.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps, even beginners can create a restaurant-quality dish.
- Great for Meal Prep: Perfect for making ahead and reheating throughout the week.
- Customizable: You can add extra vegetables or spices to suit your taste.
- Family-Friendly: A guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike!
Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
For this delicious casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced in half horizontally (ensures even cooking and a crispy texture)
- ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper (enhances overall flavor)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (brings aromatic, herby notes)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (helps achieve a golden, crispy crust when pan-frying)
- 9 ounces rotini pasta (provides a hearty base that holds the sauce well)
- 22 ounces pasta sauce, divided (adds rich tomato flavor and keeps the casserole moist)
- 14.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes, drained (adds texture and a slightly tangy taste)
- 1 ⅓ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (brings a creamy, melty texture and mild flavor)
Crispy Topping
- 2 ½ tablespoons melted butter (helps crisp up the breadcrumb topping)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (adds a light, crispy crunch)
- 1 ½ tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (infuses freshness into the topping)
- ⅓ teaspoon garlic powder (delivers a mild garlic flavor to complement the dish)
- ⅓ cup shredded Parmesan cheese (contributes a salty, nutty taste and an extra crispy layer)
Optional Add-Ons
- Crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
- Grated extra Parmesan cheese for added cheesiness
- Sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrition
Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 380°F (193°C). This slightly higher temperature helps the casserole cook evenly and ensures a golden, crispy topping.
Step 2: Prepare the Crispy Topping
In a small mixing bowl, combine melted butter, breadcrumbs, chopped fresh parsley, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese. Stir well until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated in butter. This will create a crispy, flavorful topping. Set the bowl aside for later.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (firm but tender). This typically takes 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and return it to the pot.
Step 4: Mix the Casserole Ingredients
To the drained pasta, add 2 cups of pasta sauce, Italian seasoning, shredded or chopped cooked chicken, drained diced tomatoes, and chopped fresh parsley. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly combined. This mixture will be the flavorful base of the casserole.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Lightly grease abaking dish to prevent sticking. Pour the pasta mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly. Drizzle the remaining marinara sauce over the top to keep it moist and flavorful. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the surface.
Step 6: Add the Crispy Topping
Evenly spread the prepared breadcrumb topping over the mozzarella cheese layer. This will create a crispy, golden crust when baked.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-28 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the topping is golden brown. If a crispier top is desired, broil for an additional 3-4 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and makes it easier to serve. Garnish with extra parsley if desired, and enjoy a warm, cheesy, and crispy bite!
Storage and Serving
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 375°F for 10 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals.
- Freezing: Freeze assembled (uncooked) casserole for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 10 extra minutes to the baking time.
Tips for Success
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for better melting and flavor.
- Let the coated chicken rest for 5 minutes before cooking for better adhesion.
- Cook pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy after baking.
- Don’t skip the crispy topping – it adds a satisfying crunch!
Substitutes and Variations
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with roasted eggplant or mushrooms.
- Extra Creamy: Mix in ½ cup ricotta or cream cheese before baking.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 410 kcal |
| Protein | 36g |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Sodium | 680mg |
| Fiber | 3g |
What Others Are Saying About the Recipe
Marv C. – “This casserole was a huge hit! The crispy chicken stayed crunchy, and the sauce was perfectly balanced.”
Lee B. – “I love how easy this was to make! Next time, I’ll add mushrooms for extra flavor.”
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Parmesan Casserole is the kind of dish you’ll want to keep in your regular dinner rotation. It’s quick, comforting, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. Plus, it’s got that perfect balance of cheesy, crispy goodness that everyone craves. So next time you’re looking for an easy, satisfying meal, give this casserole a try—you won’t be disappointed!