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Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Introduction
Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a comforting and easy family-style dish inspired by the classic Italian favorite, Chicken Parmesan.
Instead of breading and frying individual chicken cutlets, this casserole layers tender chicken, rich tomato sauce, pasta, and melted cheese into one hearty baked meal.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or when you want a warm and satisfying dinner with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 3 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned preferred)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Prepare the mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, pasta, marinara sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Assemble the casserole: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Add the cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with olive oil, then sprinkle evenly over the cheese layer.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the topping becomes golden brown.
- Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Description
This Chicken Parmesan Casserole combines juicy chicken, savory marinara sauce, and tender pasta under a blanket of melted cheese
and crispy breadcrumbs. The dish captures the comforting flavors of traditional chicken parmesan but in a simple casserole form
that is easy to prepare and perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Tips
- Use rotisserie chicken to save preparation time.
- Cook pasta al dente so it doesn’t become too soft during baking.
- Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- For extra crispiness, broil the casserole for the last 2–3 minutes.
- Let the casserole rest before serving so it slices more neatly.
Corrections / Notes
- If the casserole seems dry, add an extra ½ cup of marinara sauce before baking.
- If the dish becomes too watery, bake it a few minutes longer uncovered.
- Adjust salt carefully since Parmesan cheese already contains salt.
Enjoy
Serve your Chicken Parmesan Casserole with a fresh green salad and warm garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
This cozy dish is rich, cheesy, and packed with comforting flavors that everyone will love.
