If you have been craving a hearty, soul-satisfying dish that combines tender chicken, rich marinara, and a blanket of bubbly, melty cheese, then this Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. It’s a wonderfully comforting casserole that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd, and its simplicity belies the incredible depth of flavor in every bite. Plus, everything gets tossed in one dish and baked to perfection, making it gloriously easy yet irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with small, cubed pieces of raw chicken that are light pink with a hint of orange from seasoning. The chicken pieces have a shiny and moist texture with visible specks of herbs and black pepper scattered evenly on the surface. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, showing the clear edges and round shape of the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

To create this delicious Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe, you only need a handful of straightforward ingredients. Each one plays an important role, whether it’s giving the dish its robust flavor, satisfying texture, or that perfect cheesy finish everyone loves.

Chicken breasts (1 ½ lb, diced): Moist and tender, providing the essential protein with every bite.
Garlic cloves (4, minced): Adds a fragrant punch that wakes up the dish instantly.
Italian seasoning (1 tbsp): A blend of herbs that brings warmth and classic Italian vibes.
Oregano (1 tsp): Enhances the tomato sauce with authentic Mediterranean flavor.
Rigatoni pasta (16 oz, uncooked): The sturdy tubes hold sauce beautifully and soak up flavors while baking.
Marinara sauce (24 oz): This rich tomato base is key for that traditional Chicken Parmesan taste.
Water (3 cups): Ensures the pasta cooks evenly right in the dish.
Salt (1 tsp): Balances the flavors and seasons throughout the casserole.
Black pepper (½ tsp): Adds a gentle kick and earthiness.
Mozzarella cheese (2 cups, shredded): Gooey, melty, and oh-so-indulgent for the perfect cheesy topping.
Panko breadcrumbs (1 cup): Provide a delightful crunchy topping that contrasts the creamy casserole interior.
Parmesan cheese (½ cup, grated): Delivers a sharp, nutty flavor that brings everything together.
Fresh basil (for garnish): Adds a pop of vibrant color and fresh herbal aroma just before serving.

How to Make Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Chicken

Start by heating your oven to 425°F and greasing a 9×13 baking dish lightly with oil or cooking spray. In a bowl, toss your diced chicken breasts with minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and oregano. Let it sit for about 5 minutes so the flavors can start to mingle and penetrate the chicken perfectly.

Step 2: Assemble the Ingredients in the Baking Dish

Into your prepared baking dish, layer the uncooked rigatoni pasta followed by the jar of marinara sauce and the water. Add the seasoned raw chicken on top, then sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Give everything a good stir right in the dish to combine all those flavors and ensure your pasta is evenly coated.

Step 3: Cover and Bake

Seal the casserole tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and moisture. Bake it covered in your preheated oven for 30 minutes. At this stage, the pasta absorbs the liquid but isn’t fully cooked yet, and the chicken begins to cook through, soaking in those lovely tomato and herb flavors.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Breadcrumb Topping

Once you remove the casserole from the oven, take off the foil and give everything a gentle stir. Then coat the top generously with shredded mozzarella, a layer of crispy panko breadcrumbs, and a sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese. This layering invites a beautiful golden crust to form in the final step.

Step 5: Final Bake for Golden Perfection

Return the uncovered casserole to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes. Watch as the cheese melts into gooey decadence and the breadcrumbs toast to a perfect golden brown. The pasta will finish cooking to tender, al dente perfection.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

To finish off your Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe, sprinkle freshly chopped basil across the top for a fragrant, fresh touch that brightens up the hearty casserole.

How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

A close-up view of a white rectangular baking dish filled with a baked pasta casserole. The dish has three main layers: the bottom, a light golden baked pasta base covered with tomato sauce and melted cheese; the middle, chunks of white meat mixed with a thick red sauce and small green herb leaves; and the top, a golden browned layer of cheese and crispy bread crumbs speckled with fresh green basil leaves. A metal spoon lifts a scoop showing the mixed layers with some green herbs visible on the top. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A handful of freshly chopped basil isn’t just pretty; it adds a fresh herbal note that cuts through the richness beautifully. You could also add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

Side Dishes

This casserole shines as a one-pot meal, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or sautéed garlic spinach can add a fresh and crunchy contrast. A side of garlic bread or crusty Italian bread also helps soak up any extra sauce, making your meal feel complete and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins or small casserole dishes for each guest. It adds a personal touch to your dinner table. You can also sprinkle extra Parmesan and fresh herbs just before serving to keep the dish looking vibrant and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow the casserole to cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3-4 days, and you’ll have delicious meals ready to enjoy without extra cooking.

Freezing

This Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully! Assemble it fully but hold off on the breadcrumb topping before freezing. Wrap it well with plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, bake it directly from frozen, just adding extra time to ensure it’s warmed through.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through, keeping the casserole covered to prevent it from drying out. If reheating individual portions, the microwave works well—just make sure to cover your dish to keep moisture in.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta in this casserole?

Absolutely! While rigatoni is perfect for holding sauce, penne, ziti, or even fusilli would work wonderfully. Just ensure the pasta has a sturdy shape that can stand up to the baking process and soak in the sauce.

Is it okay to use pre-cooked chicken instead of raw?

Yes, you can use cooked chicken, but reduce the initial baking time since the chicken is already cooked through. This will help prevent it from drying out while making sure the pasta cooks properly and the cheese melts beautifully.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Replace the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant. You might also add some cooked lentils or chickpeas for protein, then proceed with the recipe as usual for a tasty vegetarian spin.

What type of cheese works best for this dish?

Mozzarella and Parmesan are classic choices here for their melting qualities and flavor. You can mix in provolone or fontina for a different twist, but stick to cheeses that melt well and complement tomato sauces.

How spicy is this casserole?

This Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe isn’t spicy by default, but you can easily adjust the heat by adding red pepper flakes, a dash of cayenne, or spicy Italian sausage if you want a kick.

Final Thoughts

All in all, this Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe is the perfect blend of ease and deliciousness that will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection. It’s abundant, flavorful, and full of comforting Italian charm, making every dinner feel like a special occasion. Do yourself a favor and try it soon—you won’t regret having this casserole on your dinner table!