Description
This Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make baked pasta dish featuring tender chicken, marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and a crispy Parmesan breadcrumb topping. Perfect for a family dinner, it combines classic Italian flavors in a convenient one-dish meal.
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 48 ounces marinara sauce (2 – 24 oz jars or homemade)
- 16 ounces small dried pasta (rigatoni, penne, or ziti)
- 4 cups cooked chopped chicken
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
For the Topping
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking dish: Preheat the oven to 400°F and lightly spray a 9 x 13 inch (3 quart) baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil on the stovetop. Add the dried pasta and stir occasionally. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, then drain thoroughly and transfer the pasta to the prepared baking dish to cool slightly.
- Make breadcrumb topping: In a small mixing bowl, combine grated Parmesan cheese and Italian breadcrumbs. Pour melted butter over the mixture and stir by hand until the crumbs are evenly coated and form a crumbly topping.
- Layer chicken on pasta: Spread the cooked chopped chicken evenly over the pasta in the baking dish to create a uniform layer.
- Add sauce and cheese: Pour marinara sauce evenly over the chicken, ensuring it is fully covered. Then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the sauce.
- Top with breadcrumb mixture: Evenly sprinkle the prepared Parmesan breadcrumb topping over the mozzarella layer for a crispy finish.
- Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes until the sauce is bubbling at the edges and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Allow the casserole to cool for at least 5 minutes before scooping and serving to let the layers set and prevent burns.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken from rotisserie or leftover roasted chicken for convenience and flavor.
- For extra flavor, add Italian seasoning or fresh basil to the marinara sauce before layering.
- Breadcrumb topping can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat covered in the oven to keep the casserole moist and topping crisp.
