This chicken parm casserole is the perfect dinner for busy weeknights and is sure to be a favorite with the entire family, including your picky eaters! It has a fabulous combo of flavor and texture, with juicy chicken, creamy sauce, and lots of melty, gooey cheese.
When you crave traditional chicken parmesan but are short on time, this is the perfect meal. With minimal prep and a quick bake time, you can have this restaurant-worthy dish on the table in under an hour.
Chicken parm casserole is your answer to a delicious, easy, and heartwarming meal that the whole family will love. In this post, we’ll walk through the steps to create this simple recipe. I’ll include some tips and tricks along with serving ideas!
Looking for more chicken dinner ideas? Try air-fried chicken tenders, no-peek chicken casserole, or Cajun chicken pasta.
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🥘Ingredient Notes
For exact amounts needed see the recipe card below
- Penne pasta: You can use any pasta, but I like penne because its tube shape and ridges help hold the sauce.
- Cooked chicken: Use leftover rotisserie chicken or poach a few skinless chicken breasts earlier in the week.
- Italian seasoning
- Mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Spaghetti sauce: Use your favorite jarred sauce or make homemade marinara sauce.
- Parsley or basil: For garnish.
🥣How to Make Chicken Parm Casserole
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and get your pasta boiling. Cook it just until it’s al dente.
- Toss the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, Italian seasoning, and half of both cheeses into a medium bowl. Pour in the spaghetti sauce and stir well.
- Spread the saucy, cheesy chicken mixture into a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Cover it with foil and bake it for 30 minutes.
- Take off the foil and sprinkle the rest of the shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top. Pop it back in the oven for another 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve.
🍴Serving Ideas
Serve your Chicken Parm Casserole with garlic bread and a vibrant green salad. It’s a delicious meal that never fails. The crispness of the salad and the garlicky crunch of the bread perfectly complement the rich, cheesy casserole.
Or serve this family favorite with extra toppings like crushed red pepper, extra Parmesan, and sautéed veggies. Everyone can customize their plate with their favorites.
💭How to Store
Let your casserole cool to room temperature before you store it. Pack the leftovers in an airtight container and put them in the fridge.
They’ll keep for 3-4 days, making your weeknight dinner plans a breeze. When you’re ready to reheat, a quick zap in the microwave or a warm-up in the oven will bring the casserole back to life.
If you’re a meal prep maestro, you’ll be glad to know that Chicken Parm Casserole is freezer-friendly. Wrap individual portions tightly with foil or plastic wrap, then place them in freezer bags. They’ll last for a couple of months, ready for those days when cooking is the last thing on your mind.
⭐Tips
Be sure to check out the step by step instructions
- When cooking your pasta, remember to salt the water. And don’t overcook it! Since it’s going into the casserole for another bake, it’ll continue to cook in the oven. Aim for that perfect al dente texture.
- Don’t skimp on the sauce; a dry casserole is a sad casserole. Make sure every bit of pasta and chicken is well-coated before it goes into the baking dish. And if you end up with a little extra sauce, don’t worry—save it for dipping the crusty garlic bread.
- Mixing some of the cheese into the casserole itself is key. It creates pockets of gooey, melty goodness that make every bite a delight. And when you add the rest on top, be sure to spread it evenly for that picture-perfect golden-brown finish.
- Add some red pepper flakes to make this dish spicy.
📝Reader Questions
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover it with foil, and store it in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it’ll be starting off cold.
For sure! Swap out the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety, and make sure your spaghetti sauce is GF-friendly.
Definitely! You can stir in some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a veggie boost. Just cook them beforehand to remove any excess moisture that could make the casserole soggy.
You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted and slightly golden and the edges are bubbling with saucy goodness. If you want to be extra sure, check that the internal temperature has reached 165 degrees F.
While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic choices, you can experiment with other cheeses. Try a mix of provolone for smoothness or a sprinkle of Asiago for a nutty flavor. Just keep in mind that different cheeses melt and brown differently, so keep an eye on your chicken parmesan casserole.
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Chicken Parm Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 box penne pasta 16 ounces
- 1 pound cooked chicken shredded
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded and divided
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese shredded and divided
- 32 ounces spaghetti sauce
- fresh parsley or basil optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Cook the pasta following the directions on the package and drain.1 box penne pasta
- Add the cooked pasta, chicken, Italian seasoning, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, and spaghetti sauce to a bowl. Mix until well combined.1 pound cooked chicken, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, 2 cups mozzarella cheese, 1 cup Parmesan cheese, 32 ounces spaghetti sauce
- Spread the mixture into a 9×13-inch casserole dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and remove the foil. Top with the remaining cheeses. Bake again for another 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted.fresh parsley or basil
Notes
- You can use any shape of pasta you’d like.
- When cooking your pasta, remember to salt the water. And don’t overcook it! Since it’s going into the casserole for another bake, it’ll continue to cook in the oven.
- Add some red pepper flakes to make this dish spicy.
- Use rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken for this dish.
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition facts are estimates.
