Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe: A Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food

Looking for a hearty, satisfying, and easy dinner recipe that will have everyone coming back for seconds? This Chicken Parmesan Casserole is exactly what you need! It combines the classic flavors of Italian chicken parmesan with the comfort of a baked casserole—all in one dish. Imagine tender chicken pieces, perfectly cooked pasta, and rich marinara sauce all baked under a golden layer of melted mozzarella and a crispy parmesan breadcrumb topping. The combination of gooey cheese and crispy breadcrumbs will make every bite irresistible.

Photo byInsanelyGoodRecipes

I first came across this fantastic Chicken Parmesan Casserole recipe on Insanely Good Recipes, and I just knew I had to share it with you all. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week. What I love most about this dish is its simplicity—everything is mixed in one pan, making both the prep and cleanup a breeze.

A Bit of Backstory

Chicken parmesan has long been a staple in Italian-American cuisine. Traditionally, it involves breaded and fried chicken cutlets, marinara sauce, and cheese, all baked until bubbly. However, this casserole version offers a quicker, more convenient take on the beloved classic. It captures all those rich, cheesy flavors without the hassle of frying. Plus, with this recipe, you get the added bonus of pasta cooked right in the dish, making it a complete meal on its own.

Flavorful Origins

The flavors in this casserole are inspired by Italy's traditional Chicken Parmigiana, but with a modern twist. Italian seasoning brings the dish to life with a fragrant blend of herbs, while panko breadcrumbs add a satisfying crunch. Marinara sauce ties it all together, infusing the pasta and chicken with rich, savory goodness.

Recipe Instructions: Let’s Get Cooking!

Ingredients:

• 1 (16-ounce) package of penne pasta
• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 jar (24-ounce) marinara sauce
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil

Parmesan Breadcrumb Topping:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In the baking dish, mix together uncooked pasta, chicken pieces, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, marinara sauce, chicken broth, and water until combined.
3. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30-45 minutes, stirring halfway through to prevent sticking.
4. While it’s baking, prepare the topping by mixing melted butter, panko, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning in a bowl.
5. Check the pasta after 30 minutes—if it’s al dente, uncover the dish, stir, and sprinkle 1 ½ cups of mozzarella and ¼ cup Parmesan evenly on top. Then, add the Parmesan breadcrumb topping.
6. Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, the top is golden brown, and the pasta is fully cooked.
7. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes. Before serving, sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh basil for an extra burst of flavor.

Pro Tip: For a slightly creamier consistency, you can pre-cook the pasta for 3-4 minutes or sear the chicken before baking. If you do this, reduce the amount of liquid in the recipe to 1 ½ cups. This step also shortens the overall cooking time.

Variations and Pairings

This Chicken Parmesan Casserole is versatile enough to accommodate dietary preferences. Want to lighten it up? Swap regular pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. Vegetarians can substitute the chicken with roasted veggies like zucchini or eggplant, while still enjoying the same cheesy goodness. You can also experiment with different cheeses like provolone or gouda for a deeper, smokier flavor.

Serve this casserole with a side salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or a simple garlic bread for the perfect Italian-inspired meal. For a refreshing beverage pairing, consider a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or even a sparkling water with lemon to cleanse the palate.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Did you love this Chicken Parmesan Casserole as much as I did? It’s one of those recipes that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort—a true win for busy weeknights! I encourage you to try it out and let me know how it turned out. Feel free to leave your comments below, share it with your friends, and follow me for more delicious, easy-to-make recipes!