This Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a warm and cozy dish that combines juicy chicken, delicious marinara sauce, and melted cheese all in one. It’s super easy to make, too!
Honestly, who doesn’t love a meal that tastes like a restaurant dish but is made right at home? I enjoy serving it with a side of garlic bread for that perfect touch. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Elbow macaroni works well, but you can switch it up with penne, rotini, or even whole grain pasta if you prefer. Don’t have any pasta? Try using cooked quinoa for a healthier twist!
Chicken: I love the convenience of using cooked rotisserie chicken. If you’re looking for a healthier option, grilled chicken breast is great too! You can also use leftover chicken from previous meals.
Marinara Sauce: Any jarred sauce will do the trick! For a homemade touch, try making your own sauce using canned tomatoes. If you want to cut back on sugar, look for no-sugar-added sauces or make your own using just tomatoes, garlic, and herbs.
Cheese: Mozzarella is key for that gooey texture, but feel free to mix with provolone or cheddar for extra flavor. If you’re dairy-free, there are plenty of vegan cheese options available these days.
How Do I Cook the Chicken Perfectly?
Cooking chicken for the casserole can be straightforward if you follow a few steps. You want juicy and flavorful chicken that will elevate your dish.
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breast for quick cooking. Season it with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning before cooking for flavor.
- If you’re starting with raw chicken, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 7-10 minutes, flipping it halfway, until it’s no longer pink. Cut it into bite-sized pieces for the casserole.
If you are short on time, using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken saves the day! Just shred or chop it up, and you’re ready to go!
Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups cooked elbow macaroni or similar pasta
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, cut into chunks
- 2 cups marinara sauce, divided
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for cooking chicken if not precooked)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Chicken Parmesan Casserole takes about 10 minutes to prepare, and then you’ll bake it for about 20-25 minutes. So, in roughly 35-40 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your dish will cook evenly when it’s time to bake. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Chicken (if needed):
If your chicken is uncooked, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink inside, about 7-10 minutes. Once cooked, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
3. Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, the cooked chicken, 1 cup of marinara sauce, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until well mixed.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
Pour the pasta and chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Then, spoon the remaining 1 cup of marinara sauce over the top.
5. Cheese It Up:
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese evenly over the casserole. This will create a delicious cheesy topping as it bakes!
6. Bake:
Put the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
7. Cool and Garnish:
After baking, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This helps everything settle a bit. Then, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor!
8. Serve:
Finally, serve the Chicken Parmesan Casserole warm and enjoy the cheesy, saucy goodness! It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends!
Enjoy your meal! 🍽️
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Casserole?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken, such as rotisserie chicken, works perfectly in this recipe. Just shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces and add it directly to the mixture.
Can I Substitute the Pasta?
Yes! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use any pasta shape you like. Consider penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta for a different texture. Just be sure to cook it according to the package instructions before adding it to the casserole.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave portions or warm them in the oven until heated through.
Can I Freeze This Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze this casserole! Assemble it but do not bake it; cover it well with foil and freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed.
