Irresistible Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe to Savor

There’s something undeniably comforting about a Chicken Parmesan Casserole. Picture this: layers of tender chicken, melted cheese, and rich marinara sauce all baked to golden perfection. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone rushing to the table, forks at the ready, as they anticipate each cheesy bite. one pot smoked sausage and rice jalapeno popper grilled cheese baked chicken legs and rice This dish doesn’t just fill your stomach; it fills your heart with warmth and nostalgia.

I still remember the first time I made this casserole for my family. It was a rainy Sunday afternoon, and I wanted something that would not only satiate our hunger but also make our hearts sing. As I pulled it out of the oven, bubbling and fragrant, my kids declared it their new favorite meal—right before digging in with reckless abandon!

I’ll never forget my daughter’s face when she took her first bite; it was like seeing a light bulb go off!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work best here; adjust based on how many hungry mouths you’re feeding.
• Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite jarred sauce or homemade for an extra touch of love.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Opt for high-quality cheese for that perfect melt factor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated gives the best flavor; avoid the powdered stuff if possible.
• Pasta (e.g., Penne or Rotini): A bite-sized pasta works well; it soaks up all that saucy goodness.
• Italian Seasoning: A pinch adds depth; homemade mixes are fantastic if you have them on hand.
• Fresh Basil (optional): Chopped fresh basil adds a bright finish to each serving.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a large baking dish and spray it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent any sticking disasters later.

Prepare the Chicken: Dice your boneless chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season generously with salt and pepper. This is where flavor starts!

Sauté for Flavor: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil and let it heat up. Toss in the chicken cubes until they turn golden brown—about 5-7 minutes.

Add Marinara Magic: Pour in about two cups of marinara sauce over the sautéed chicken. Stir until everything is well-coated and bubbling like a happy cauldron.

Mix Pasta In: Cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and mix it into the chicken-sauce mixture until every piece is covered in that flavorful goodness.

Layer with Love: In your greased baking dish, spoon half of the chicken-pasta mixture first. Then sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese before adding another layer of chicken-pasta followed by more cheese on top.

Bake Until Golden: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan on top, then bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Let it cool slightly before diving in—it’ll be hard to resist! Serve hot garnished with fresh basil if you have some handy for that extra zing.

This Chicken Parmesan Casserole isn’t just dinner; it’s an experience that brings everyone together around the table—just like those rainy Sundays from my memory! Don’t forget to share your own stories when you make this dish; after all, every great recipe deserves its moment in the spotlight! egg roll in a bowl.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the chicken until golden, then prepare the pasta while simmering the marinara sauce. This sequence saves time and ensures everything is hot and ready to serve together.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out chicken for turkey or add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition. Experimenting with different cheeses can also elevate the flavors!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for optimal texture.

Sometimes, I whip up this casserole just to see friends’ eyes light up as they take their first bite. Their smiles make all the chopping worth it!

FAQ

Can I make Chicken Parmesan Casserole ahead of time?

For more inspiration, check out this One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta recipe.

Absolutely! Prepare it a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready.

What can I substitute for breadcrumbs?

Crushed crackers or panko work great as alternatives to traditional breadcrumbs.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, Chicken Parmesan Casserole freezes well; just thaw and reheat before serving!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Chicken Parmesan Casserole

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• Author: mydishtoday
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Serves 8

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Description

Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a delightful twist on the classic favorite, featuring tender chicken, gooey cheese, and rich marinara sauce all baked together to perfection. This comforting dish not only satisfies hunger but also evokes warmth and nostalgia with every bite. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, it’s a versatile recipe that pleases even the pickiest eaters.

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Ingredients

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• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups bite-sized pasta (e.g., penne or rotini)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Fresh basil (optional for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for sautéing

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. Dice chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; sauté chicken until golden brown (about 5-7 minutes).
4. Stir in marinara sauce until bubbling, then mix in cooked pasta until coated.
5. Layer half of the mixture in the baking dish, sprinkle with half of the mozzarella, then repeat layers.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil, top with Parmesan, and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes until golden brown.
7. Let cool slightly before serving; garnish with fresh basil if desired.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 240g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 85mg