If you’re craving all the cheesy, saucy magic of classic Chicken Parmesan but want it in a cozy, low-effort format—this Chicken Parmesan Pasta Casserole is your new best friend. It’s the ultimate comfort food, made with tender chicken, hearty pasta, marinara sauce, and layers of gooey mozzarella and crispy breadcrumbs. The best part? It all comes together in one baking dish, no frying required! Perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something hearty, homey, and absolutely delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Dish Wonder: Everything bakes in one casserole dish—less mess, less stress.
Weeknight Hero: It’s ready in about 35–40 minutes, with just a few simple steps.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of crispy topping, melty cheese, and tangy marinara is irresistibly satisfying.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it earlier in the day and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This casserole leans on simple pantry staples and delivers big flavor:

Cooked Pasta: Use something sturdy like penne or rigatoni to hold the sauce and cheese.
Cooked Chicken: Leftover roasted chicken or store-bought rotisserie chicken works beautifully—shred or cube it.
Marinara Sauce: Go for a robust, flavorful one. Homemade or your favorite jarred brand is fine.
Mozzarella Cheese: For that stretchy, melty goodness every Chicken Parm deserves.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty bite and helps crisp up the top.
Italian Seasoning: Brings everything together with a warm, herby note.
Garlic Powder: A little extra savory depth without the hassle of chopping garlic.
Breadcrumbs: Preferably panko, for a crisp golden topping that mimics traditional breaded chicken.
Olive Oil or Butter: Lightly coat the breadcrumbs before baking for maximum crunch.

Variations

Feel like switching things up? Here are some fun, easy ways to make this dish your own:

Spicy Twist: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the marinara.
Veggie Boost: Stir in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrition and texture.
Cheese Lovers’ Version: Add provolone or fontina for extra cheesiness.
Low-Carb Option: Use cooked spaghetti squash or a low-carb pasta alternative.

How to Make Chicken Parmesan Pasta Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of olive oil or cooking spray.

Step 2: Combine the Base

In a large bowl, mix together the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, marinara sauce, half the mozzarella, and half the Parmesan cheese. Season with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Stir until everything is evenly coated.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the pasta mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.

Step 4: Add the Crunch

In a small bowl, toss breadcrumbs with a drizzle of olive oil or melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the casserole.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the topping is golden brown.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the cheese set and the flavors settle in.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Cook Pasta Al Dente: It will continue cooking in the oven, so don’t overdo it on the stovetop.
Shred Cheese Fresh: Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly—go for block cheese when possible.
Make It Ahead: Assemble everything (minus the breadcrumbs), cover, and refrigerate for up to a day. Add breadcrumbs just before baking.
Double the Recipe: Feeding a crowd? This casserole doubles easily and reheats beautifully.

How to Serve

This Chicken Parmesan Pasta Casserole is hearty enough to stand on its own, but here’s how to round out the meal:

Garnish:

Top with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a burst of color and freshness.

Side Dishes:

Pair it with a crisp green salad tossed in balsamic vinaigrette, or steamed green beans for balance.

Bread:

Don’t forget the garlic bread! It’s perfect for soaking up any extra marinara sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually get even better the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze this casserole fully assembled (unbaked) or after baking. Wrap it tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm larger portions in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?
It’s best to use cooked chicken here since the bake time isn’t long enough to safely cook raw chicken. Rotisserie chicken or leftovers keep things quick and easy.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use gluten-free pasta and substitute the breadcrumbs with a gluten-free version or crushed gluten-free crackers.

What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?
Short, sturdy shapes like penne, rigatoni, or rotini work best. They hold up well in the sauce and don’t get mushy when baked.

Do I have to use breadcrumbs on top?
Not at all! If you prefer a softer top, you can skip the breadcrumbs or replace them with extra cheese for a gooier finish.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Parmesan Pasta Casserole is everything you love about the classic dish, made simpler and cozier for busy nights. It’s rich, comforting, and always a hit with the whole family. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this one’s a guaranteed keeper. Give it a try—you might never go back to the traditional version again!

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Casserole Recipe