My kids call this ‘the pasta dish’ and think it’s just a cheesy excuse to shovel in more marinara. I don’t mind at all, especially since it’s packed with chicken and pasta that soak up all that sauce. Once, I added too much water, and while it turned soupy, they just grabbed extra bread to soak it up.
Covering the dish tightly with foil during the first part is key. It traps moisture, ensuring the pasta cooks just right and absorbs all those flavors.
Ingredients in Chicken Parmesan Casserole
This dish is all about simple ingredients that come together for a hearty meal. Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting casserole.
- Marinara Sauce: This rich sauce provides the flavor base and keeps everything nice and saucy.
- Water: Essential for cooking the pasta and ensuring everything melds together.
- Kosher Salt: It enhances the flavors of the dish and balances the sauce.
- Italian Seasoning: Adds a blend of herbs that brings depth to the casserole.
- Garlic Powder: Provides a mild, savory flavor that pairs well with the chicken and sauce.
- Onion Powder: Contributes a subtle sweetness that rounds out the dish.
- Ground Black Pepper: Adds a touch of heat and sharpness to the overall flavor profile.
- Uncooked Penne Pasta: It absorbs the marinara goodness as it cooks, making the dish filling and satisfying.
- Raw Chicken Breast: Diced into bite-sized pieces, it adds protein and heartiness to the casserole.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: This melty cheese gives that gooey texture we all love on top.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor that complements the other cheeses.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: They create a crispy topping that contrasts beautifully with the soft pasta and chicken.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Casserole
It takes about 50 minutes to whip up this Chicken Parmesan Casserole. The best part? You can throw it all together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F. This step gets the oven ready for that golden, bubbly finish you want.
Mix Ingredients: In a 13-inch by 9-inch dish, whisk together the marinara sauce, water, kosher salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground black pepper. You’ll want it smooth and well blended; the aroma of the spices will fill your kitchen.
Add Pasta & Chicken: Toss in the uncooked penne pasta and diced raw chicken, stirring until everything’s evenly distributed. It should look like a saucy mess, and don’t worry if it seems a bit liquidy at this point.
Cover: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. This keeps everything in, ensuring the pasta cooks perfectly and absorbs all the flavors.
Uncover and Stir: After 30 minutes, carefully uncover and give the pasta a good stir. It may still look a little firm, and that’s fine! Spread the mozzarella cheese on top, followed by the grated Parmesan and Panko breadcrumbs for that crispy topping.
Final Cook: Cook uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, the top is golden brown, and the pasta is tender. You’ll hear that nice bubbling sound and see a beautifully crisp top.
Enjoy this comforting dish, and don’t forget to share it with your family!
Switch It Up: Easy Variations
I love that this casserole can adapt to whatever I have on hand. Here are some fun ways to switch things up while keeping it easy for busy weeknights.
Pasta Shape Swap: Don’t have penne? Use rotini, rigatoni, or elbow pasta instead. They’ll soak up all that marinara goodness just as well.
Marinara Sauce Variation: I like Rao’s brand, but you can use any similar marinara or even swap in pomodoro sauce for a slightly different flavor.
Vegetable Addition: If your kids like veggies, stir in some peas, zucchini, sliced mushrooms, or frozen broccoli. It adds nutrition and color without complicating things.
Cooked Chicken Option: Got leftover chicken? Using shredded rotisserie chicken instead of raw works great, saving you some time without sacrificing flavor.
These variations keep it fresh and allow you to customize the dish to your family’s taste!
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you’re looking to save some for later, you can freeze the casserole for about 3 months. Just make sure it’s cooled down before sealing to prevent ice crystals from forming.
When it’s time to reheat, I recommend popping it in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes. Cover it with foil to keep the top from getting too brown. If it looks a bit dry, add a splash of marinara sauce to help bring it back to life. Stir it halfway through to make sure it heats evenly.
Perfect Pairings for Chicken Parmesan Casserole
This Chicken Parmesan Casserole is hearty enough to stand alone, but a couple of sides can really round out the meal. Adding a few simple dishes can enhance the whole dinner experience.
What to Serve Alongside
Garlic Bread: The crispness of garlic bread complements the gooey, melty casserole. It’s great for soaking up any extra marinara sauce and adds a nice crunch to each bite.
Optional garnish: fresh chopped herbs such as fresh parsley.
I’d love to hear what sides you choose! Give this casserole a try, and let me know how your family enjoys it.
Chicken Parmesan Casserole for Quick Family Dinners
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Spray a 13-inch by 9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In the prepared dish, whisk together the marinara sauce, water, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper.
- Add the uncooked pasta and the raw chicken. Stir until evenly distributed.
- Cover tightly with aluminum foil. Make sure that your dish is covered tightly so that none of the moisture escapes (the pasta needs to absorb the liquid as it cooks). Bake the covered dish for 30 minutes.
- Uncover the dish and give the pasta a good stir. At this point the pasta will still be firm and there will still be quite a bit of liquid in the dish. That’s fine! Spread mozzarella over the top and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs.
- Bake uncovered for 10-15 more minutes (or until cheese is melted, top is golden brown, pasta is tender, and chicken is cooked through). Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired. Serve!
