This chicken parmesan casserole is a warm and hearty dish that brings that classic chicken parm flavor right into a comforting casserole form. It’s loaded with pasta, tender chicken, and topped with a crispy layer that satisfies every time.
This chicken parmesan casserole addresses the problems of lengthy preparation and dryness by combining familiar flavors in a simple, comforting dish.
I often face the challenge of cooking something both delicious and quick on busy weeknights. With a family to feed and not always time to prepare, this recipe lets me serve up an old favorite without the fuss.
What I love about this casserole is how well it comes together in just about 40 minutes, from prep to enjoying that first bite. You’ll have gooey cheese and rich marinara bubbling right out of the oven, making it a dish everyone looks forward to having again.
If you’re looking for another easy meal, try my Ground Beef Hash Brown Casserole for a different twist on comfort food!
Table of contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Comforting Layers , Each layer brings a taste of home, with tender chicken and hearty pasta enveloped in rich marinara. It’s the kind of dish that wraps you in warmth on a chilly evening.
- Crispy Topping , A crunchy blend of breadcrumbs and parmesan creates an irresistible topping. This golden layer contrasts perfectly with the creamy cheese underneath, adding satisfying texture with every serving.
- Make-Ahead Convenience , Prepare the casserole ahead of time and pop it in the fridge. This makes dinner a breeze, letting you spend time with family without sacrificing flavor or comfort.
- Family-Friendly Appeal , This chicken parmesan casserole is a hit with both kids and adults, making it a reliable choice for weeknight dinners. It introduces a fun twist on an Italian classic that everyone will love.
Chicken Parmesan Casserole with Crispy Topping
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cool Time: 0 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8-12 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A gluten-free baked chicken parmesan casserole layered with pasta, marinara, chicken, mozzarella and a crispy breadcrumb-Parmesan topping.
Ingredients
Scale
- 48 ounces (1360g) marinara sauce (2 – 24 oz jars or homemade)
- 16 ounces (454g) small dried pasta (rigatoni, penne, ziti)
- 4 cups cooked chopped chicken (approximate weight not specified)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (approximate weight not specified)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (approximate weight not specified)
- 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs (approximate weight not specified)
- 3 tablespoons melted butter (approximate weight not specified)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling on pasta to prevent sticking)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 400F. Spray the inside of a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to help prevent the casserole from sticking and make serving easier.
- Step 2: Boil Pasta Carefully: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the dried pasta and cook according to the package instructions, but watch closely to avoid overcooking as pasta will finish cooking in the oven.
- Step 3: Drain & Oil Pasta: Once the pasta is cooked but still firm, drain it thoroughly. Transfer the pasta to the prepared baking dish, then drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil over it and toss gently to prevent the pasta from sticking as it cools.
- Step 4: Mix Topping Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian breadcrumbs. Pour in the melted butter and mix by hand until the mixture is crumbly but slightly moist. This texture is important to create a crispy topping when baked.
- Step 5: Layer Chicken & Sauce: Evenly spread the chopped cooked chicken over the pasta in the baking dish. Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the chicken, making sure it covers the chicken completely for consistent flavor throughout the casserole.
- Step 6: Sprinkle Cheese Evenly: Generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the marinara sauce and chicken layer. Even distribution allows the cheese to melt beautifully over the top.
- Step 7: Top with Breadcrumbs: Spread the breadcrumb and Parmesan topping evenly over the mozzarella layer. The topping should appear light and crumbly, preparing it to crisp up during baking and provide the classic chicken parmesan texture.
- Step 8: Bake to Golden Deliciousness: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes. Bake until the sauce is bubbling and the breadcrumb topping turns a golden brown color. The aroma will signal that the casserole is ready.
- Step 9: Cool & Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for 5 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the flavors meld together and makes it easier to serve.
Notes
- Room Temperature: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, keeping it covered to prevent drying.
- Refrigeration: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- To prevent pasta from sticking, toss it with 1 tablespoon olive oil right after draining.
- If marinara sauce is too thick, gradually stir in up to 1/4 cup hot water to achieve the desired consistency.
- For an extra crispy topping, broil on low for 2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- If cheese melts unevenly, cover the dish with aluminum foil during the first 15 minutes of baking, then remove foil for the remaining time.
- Place a baking sheet under the casserole dish if concerned about sauce bubbling over in the oven, to keep the oven clean.
- Serve with gluten-free garlic bread or a simple green salad.
- Roast vegetables or steam broccoli for added color and nutrition.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for freshness. A drizzle of balsamic glaze or extra Parmesan cheese adds flavor at serving.
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken for quick assembly.
- Substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
- Use fresh mozzarella slices or shredded mozzarella based on preference.
- Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for tenderness and easy layering.
- Opt for high-quality marinara sauce, homemade or store-bought with a rich, chunky texture.
- Use freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese for superior flavor and melting characteristics.
- Panko breadcrumbs provide desirable crunch for topping; gluten-free options are suitable substitutions.
- Extra-virgin olive oil offers robust flavor for drizzling on pasta and casserole top.
- Reheat leftovers in a 350F oven until warmed through, about 15 minutes. Cover loosely with foil to prevent the topping from burning if reheating longer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Not specified
- Sugar: Not specified
- Sodium: Not specified
- Fat: Not specified
- Saturated Fat: Not specified
- Unsaturated Fat: Not specified
- Trans Fat: Not specified
- Carbohydrates: Not specified
- Fiber: Not specified
- Protein: Not specified
- Cholesterol: Not specified
Ingredient Notes
- Chicken breast: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for ease of layering. This keeps the casserole tender and allows the flavors to meld together nicely.
- Marinara sauce: Opt for a good quality marinara sauce; it’ll enhance the overall flavor. If you prefer homemade, aim for a rich, chunky texture for best results.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme adds a subtle depth of flavor. Make sure it’s fresh for optimal taste impact.
- Parmesan cheese: Go for freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano; it melts beautifully and adds a nutty kick. Pre-grated varieties often lack the same richness.
- Breadcrumbs: Use panko breadcrumbs for a crispy topping; they provide that essential crunch. You can substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
- Mozzarella cheese: Fresh mozzarella slices lend creaminess and stretch. When choosing, look for high-quality, whole-milk mozzarella for the best melting effect.
- Olive oil: A drizzle over the top before baking ensures a golden, crispy finish. Opt for extra-virgin for a more robust flavor.
- Chicken breast: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for ease of layering. This keeps the casserole tender and allows the flavors to meld together nicely.
- Marinara sauce: Opt for a good quality marinara sauce; it’ll enhance the overall flavor. If you prefer homemade, aim for a rich, chunky texture for best results.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme adds a subtle depth of flavor. Make sure it’s fresh for optimal taste impact.
- Parmesan cheese: Go for freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano; it melts beautifully and adds a nutty kick. Pre-grated varieties often lack the same richness.
- Breadcrumbs: Use panko breadcrumbs for a crispy topping; they provide that essential crunch. You can substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
- Mozzarella cheese: Fresh mozzarella slices lend creaminess and stretch. When choosing, look for high-quality, whole-milk mozzarella for the best melting effect.
- Olive oil: A drizzle over the top before baking ensures a golden, crispy finish. Opt for extra-virgin for a more robust flavor.
Recipe Tips
- If pasta sticks together, toss it with 1 tablespoon of olive oil right after draining to prevent clumping.
- When marinara sauce is too thick, add 1/4 cup of hot water gradually while stirring to achieve desired consistency.
- If your topping isn’t crispy, broil on low for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, keeping a close watch to avoid burning.
- For uneven cheese melting, cover the dish with aluminum foil during the first 15 minutes of baking, then remove it for the remaining time.
- If sauce bubbles over in the oven, place a baking sheet below the casserole dish to catch spills and keep your oven clean.
Serving Suggestions
Serve chicken parmesan casserole with a side of gluten-free garlic bread or a simple green salad. Roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli add color and nutrition to the meal.
Add to meal prep by using leftover rotisserie chicken for a quick assembly. Use this casserole as a filling for stuffed peppers or as a topping for baked potatoes.
Top with fresh basil or parsley for a touch of freshness. A drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese adds additional flavor at serving.
Recipe variations
- You can use cooked chopped chicken breasts, rotisserie chicken, or leftover chicken in this chicken parmesan casserole to provide tender protein in each serving.
- Add 2 cups shredded mozzarella and ½ cup grated parmesan cheese evenly for creamy flavor and a savory topping that complements the marinara base.
- Either rigatoni, penne, or ziti pasta can be used as the dried pasta base. Cook al dente to prevent over-softening during baking.
- If scaling this recipe, double ingredients for 16-24 servings using a larger baking dish. Bake in batches if needed, keeping the topping crispy.
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How to Store?
To keep your chicken parmesan casserole fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, keeping it covered to prevent drying out.
Refrigeration: Place in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring it cools completely before storing.
Freezing: Wrap with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, place in a freezer-safe container and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
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