Why Make This Recipe
Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a simple and delicious dish that combines the classic flavors of chicken parmesan in a warm, comforting casserole. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or family gatherings. With its cheesy goodness and hearty ingredients, this recipe is a sure crowd-pleaser that will satisfy both kids and adults alike. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken!
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups cooked pasta (e.g., penne or rotini)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- For garnish: fresh basil or parsley (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the shredded chicken, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and heat for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, half of the Parmesan cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix well.
- Add the seasoned chicken to the pasta mixture and mix until everything is evenly distributed.
- Pour the casserole mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it evenly.
- Top the casserole with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once done, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if using.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Serve Chicken Parmesan Casserole warm, straight from the oven. It can be a standalone dish, or you can pair it with a green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. Fresh basil or parsley on top adds a nice touch and extra flavor.
How to Store Chicken Parmesan Casserole
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Then, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it in the oven until warmed through.
Tips to Make Chicken Parmesan Casserole
- For a quicker meal, use store-bought rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken strips.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- If you like it spicy, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.
Variation
You can change the type of cheese if you prefer. Try using provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses for a different flavor. You can also switch the pasta type; quinoa or gluten-free pasta works well too.
FAQs
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just cover it and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it.
2. What if I don’t have marinara sauce?
You can substitute marinara sauce with any pasta sauce or even homemade tomato sauce.
3. Can I use uncooked pasta?
It is best to use cooked pasta for this recipe. Uncooked pasta may not soften enough during baking and could result in a tough texture.
Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Ingredients
Casserole Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups cooked pasta (e.g., penne or rotini)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- For garnish: fresh basil or parsley (optional)
Instructions
Cooking
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the shredded chicken, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and heat for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, half of the Parmesan cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix well.
- Add the seasoned chicken to the pasta mixture and mix until everything is evenly distributed.
- Pour the casserole mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it evenly.
- Top the casserole with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once done, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if using.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
