Chicken Parmesan Casserole
An easy, deconstructed version of the classic Italian dish, this Chicken Parmesan Casserole combines tender chicken, pasta, marinara, and cheese with a crispy garlic breadcrumb topping for the ultimate comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Casserole Base:
- 1 pound about 450g boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 12 ounces about 340g short pasta (e.g., rigatoni, penne)
- 24 ounces about 700g marinara sauce
- 1 cup about 100g shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup about 50g grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Garlic Butter Breadcrumb Topping:
- 1 cup about 100g Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup about 50g grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 tablespoons 56g butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic minced
Instructions
- Step 1: Prep & Cook Pasta. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta in salted boiling water for 2 minutes less than package directions for al dente. Drain.
- Step 2: Season Chicken. Cut chicken into 1-inch cubes. Toss with oregano, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Step 3: Make Topping. In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup Parmesan, and minced garlic. Pour melted butter over and mix until crumbly.
- Step 4: Assemble. In a 9x13 inch baking dish, combine the drained pasta, seasoned raw chicken cubes, and marinara sauce. Mix well.
- Step 5: Add Cheese & Topping. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the mixture. Top evenly with the prepared breadcrumb mixture.
- Step 6: Bake. Bake, uncovered, for 35-40 minutes, until the topping is golden brown, the casserole is bubbling at the edges, and the chicken is cooked through.
- Step 7: Rest & Serve. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to set. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, then serve.
Notes
For best results, use freshly grated cheeses as they melt better. The pasta must be undercooked initially to prevent mushiness. Letting the casserole rest before serving is crucial for perfect texture. Leftovers reheat well in the oven to maintain a crispy topping.