Looking for a new comfort food that is filling, satisfying, and can feed your family? Then this easy, classic chicken parmesan casserole recipe will not disappoint!
I mean, just picture this: tender chicken, coated in crispy breadcrumbs, covered in marinara sauce, and topped with a delicious, gooey layer of melted mozzarella cheese. It is a burst of flavor in one casserole dish! And it is healthy and incredibly easy to make as well.
Don’t worry, I’ve made sure that this recipe will fit your meal plan!
Contents
How to make this recipe
Who can resist the irresistible combination of cheesy goodness and chicken, right? With that said, here is how you can easily make your own chicken parmesan casserole right in your kitchen!
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne pasta whole grain
- 1 pound boneless and skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite size pieces
- 15 ounces diced tomatoes (optional)
- 1 jar marinara sauce 24-25 ounce jar, no sugar added
- 1 cup skim mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs whole wheat
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- In a 9 x 13-inch casserole baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and chicken, Stir well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Cover and bake for 30 minutes.
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While waiting, combine bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.
- After 30 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven and stir in the mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top.
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Return the uncovered casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through, the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden and crispy.
- Best served when hot.
More notes and tips for the best chicken parmesan casserole
- If you want this dish to be more vegetarian friendly, you can leave out the chicken and follow the instructions as normal.
- You can use rotisserie chicken, shredded chicken, or even turkey if you prefer.
- To ensure that you have a tender and juicy chicken, consider marinating the chicken breasts in Italian dressing or a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and Italian herbs for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Make sure to be mindful of the baking time for the chicken. Overcooking can result in dry chicken breasts.
- While marinara sauce is traditionally used for chicken parmesan casserole, you can customize the sauce used to your liking! Try using a homemade marinara sauce with fresh tomatoes and herbs.
- You can also experiment with different types of pasta sauces for more variation.
- For a richer flavor, mix shredded Parmesan cheese with shredded mozzarella cheese for the top of the casserole.
- Enhance the flavor of the casserole by adding fresh herbs such as basil, oregano, or parsley.
- For a make ahead option, you can create the chicken parmesan casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. This is convenient for busy nights or a big party up ahead.
- You can also already use cooked chicken to lessen the cook time.
- Feel free to add more vegetables to add more nutrients and colors to this dish!
What to serve with chicken parmesan casserole
- Caesar Salad
- Chicken Salad
- Weight Watchers Chili
- Cauliflower Tater Tots
- and more!
How to store parmesan chicken casserole leftovers
If you have a large amount of leftover casserole, divide it into smaller portions using airtight containers or resealable bags.
Place the leftover portions of chicken parmesan casserole in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Make sure that the containers are tightly sealed to prevent air exposure.
If you want to store the leftovers for an extended period, you can freeze them. Transfer the cooled casserole into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
Frozen chicken parmesan casserole can last for 2-3 months.
When ready to eat the leftovers, reheat them in the microwave or oven until they reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F or everything is heated through. Stir the casserole halfway while reheating to help distribute the heat evenly.
Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Looking for an easy and delicious family-friendly meal? Or maybe you need to use chicken stocked in your fridge asap? Here is how you can make chicken parmesan casserole easily which is a perfect weeknight meal and would even satisfy picky eaters!Â
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne pasta whole grain
- 1 pound boneless and skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite size pieces
- 15 ounces diced tomatoes (optional)
- 1 jar marinara sauce 24-25 ounce jar, no sugar added
- 1 cup skim mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs whole wheat
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- In a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish, combine the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and chicken. Stir well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Cover and bake for 30 minutes.
- While waiting, combine bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.
- After 30 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven and stir in the cheese. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top.
- Return the uncovered casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through, the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Best served when hot.
I’m Anastasia and I’m a full-time blogger, online entrepreneur, and Pinterest marketing strategist. I help digital entrepreneurs and bloggers drive targeted traffic from Pinterest either through my online courses or through Pinterest consultancy.