Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Casserole is a comforting, all-in-one twist on the Italian classic. It combines tender chicken, pasta, marinara sauce, and plenty of gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, all baked until bubbly and golden. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s a family-friendly dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

penne or rotini pasta (uncooked)chicken breast (cooked and cubed or shredded)marinara sauceshredded mozzarella cheesegrated Parmesan cheeseItalian seasoninggarlic powdersaltblack pepperpanko breadcrumbs (optional)olive oil (optional, for topping)fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Cook pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, chicken, marinara sauce, half of the mozzarella, half of the Parmesan, and seasonings.

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.

Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.

In a small bowl, toss panko breadcrumbs with a little olive oil and sprinkle over the top for a crispy finish.

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden.

Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6-8 servings.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 30-35 minutesTotal time: 45-50 minutes

Variations

Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.

Add spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra veggies.

Make it spicy with crushed red pepper flakes.

Swap marinara for a creamy tomato sauce for richness.

Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through.This casserole also freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use uncooked chicken?

No, the chicken should be fully cooked before adding to the casserole.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

What’s the best pasta to use?

Short, sturdy shapes like penne, rotini, or rigatoni work best.

Can I skip the breadcrumbs?

Yes, but they add a nice crunch—optional but recommended.

Do I have to use marinara sauce?

You can use any tomato-based pasta sauce you like.

Can I use different cheeses?

Yes, provolone or an Italian blend works well with mozzarella.

Is this freezer-friendly?

Absolutely—freeze before or after baking for up to 2 months.

Why is my pasta mushy?

Be sure to cook it only to al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, use a meat substitute or just pasta and sauce with extra veggies.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use a larger baking dish or two pans.

Conclusion

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Casserole is a delicious, cheesy, and satisfying meal that brings the flavors of classic chicken parm to your dinner table with half the effort. Perfectly baked and irresistibly good, it’s a surefire hit for family meals, potlucks, or freezer prep. One pan, total comfort!