Looking for a comforting, cheesy, and easy-to-make dinner that the whole family will love? This Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe is packed with tender shredded chicken, melted mozzarella, and rich marinara sauce, perfect for weeknight meals, meal prep, or cozy weekend dinners.
If you love creamy and comforting dinners, you may also enjoy Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta and Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta, both are quick, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Why We Love This Recipe
- Super cheesy & comforting ooey-gooey mozzarella layered over tender chicken.
- Quick & easy prep, ready in under an hour, perfect for busy schedules.
- Family-friendly picky eaters love it, and it reheats beautifully.
- Versatile & customizable, add extra cheese, spice it up, or make it low-carb.
- Meal prep friendly, assemble ahead, and bake fresh whenever needed.
For bold, one-pot meals, One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is a must-try, while garlic lovers will appreciate the rich and comforting flavors of Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta.
I remember the first time I made this casserole, it was a rainy Friday evening, and I had a fridge full of leftover chicken and a bag of penne. I was craving something warm and cheesy, but also quick because I was starving 😅.
As soon as it came out of the oven, the aroma of garlic and marinara filled the kitchen, and my little brother practically dove in before I could even slice it. That night, I realized that this simple, cheesy casserole could turn a rainy, ordinary evening into something special. Since then, it’s become our go-to family meal and the one dish I know everyone will enjoy.
Sharing a recipe you love with family or friends instantly makes it feel cozier and more special.
Ingredients Needs For Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded (baked, boiled, or rotisserie)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini, cooked al dente)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Pro Tip: Use high-quality marinara and fresh mozzarella for maximum flavor and gooey texture.
Equipment
- 9×13-inch casserole dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Aluminum foil
- Oven
- Cheese grater (if using block cheese)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your 9×13-inch casserole dish with a light coat of olive oil or non-stick spray.
Step 2: Cook & Shred Chicken
Cook your chicken breasts fully baked at 375°F for 25–30 mins, boil until no longer pink, or use shredded rotisserie chicken. Let cool slightly, then shred into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Cook Pasta
Cook pasta al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. This ensures it won’t get mushy during baking.
Step 4: Mix Chicken, Pasta & Sauce
In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cooked pasta, 1 cup marinara sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss thoroughly until evenly coated.
Step 5: Layer the Casserole
- Spread half of the chicken-pasta mixture into the casserole dish.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella and half the Parmesan cheese on top.
- Repeat with the remaining chicken-pasta mixture and remaining cheeses.
Pro Tip: For a golden crust, sprinkle a little extra Parmesan on top.
Step 6: Bake
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
Step 7: Garnish & Serve
Top with fresh basil or parsley before serving. Pair with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Pro Tip: Let the casserole rest 5 minutes before slicing to help it set perfectly.
Expert Tips For Best Results
- Use freshly shredded cheese: Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can reduce meltiness. Fresh mozzarella and Parmesan melt better and give a creamier texture.
- Season your chicken: Even if using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken, lightly season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder for deeper flavor.
- Layer thoughtfully: Alternating chicken-pasta mixture with cheese ensures each bite is evenly cheesy.
- Check your sauce: Homemade marinara or high-quality store-bought sauce makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
- Prevent soggy pasta: Toss pasta with a little olive oil before mixing with sauce to keep it firm.
- Add texture: Optional breadcrumb topping mixed with Parmesan and olive oil adds a crunchy, golden finish.
- Meal prep shortcut: Assemble the casserole in advance, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh for the best texture and flavor.
Troubleshooting Tips
What if my cheese isn’t melting?
Use freshly shredded cheese and cover the casserole while baking.
How to prevent watery casserole?
Cook pasta al dente and drain well; avoid excess sauce.
How to make it extra crispy on top?
Sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan and olive oil before baking uncovered.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator:
Store leftover Chicken Parmesan Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Freezer:
Once completely cooled, transfer the casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
- Microwave: Reheat individual portions for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Oven: Cover with foil and reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, or until heated through.
Pro Tip: Add a spoonful of marinara sauce or extra mozzarella before reheating to keep the casserole moist and cheesy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, thaw fully and cook before shredding. It works perfectly in this casserole.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble, refrigerate overnight, and bake fresh when ready.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 45 mins.
What pasta works best?
Short pasta like penne or rotini holds the sauce and cheese perfectly without getting mushy.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Casserole is the ultimate comfort food recipe: cheesy, flavorful, and easy to make for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking a family-friendly weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week, or craving indulgent comfort food, this baked chicken casserole delivers every time. With simple ingredients, foolproof steps, and expert tips included, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again.
Try it today and experience the perfect blend of cheesy goodness, tender chicken, and rich marinara sauce. Your taste buds will thank you!
Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe – Easy Family Dinner!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked & shredded
- 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini, al dente)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven & Prep Dish: Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Grease casserole dish.
- Cook & Shred Chicken: Bake, boil, or use rotisserie chicken; shred into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook Pasta: Cook al dente; toss lightly with olive oil.
- Mix Chicken, Pasta & Sauce: Combine chicken, pasta, 1 cup marinara, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss well.
Layer the Casserole
- Half chicken-pasta mixture → 1 cup mozzarella + ½ Parmesan
- Repeat with remaining mixture and cheese
- Tip: Extra Parmesan on top = golden bubbly crust
- Bake: Cover with foil, bake 20 mins; uncover, bake 10 more mins until golden & bubbly.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle basil or parsley. Let rest 5 mins before slicing.
Notes
- Chicken option: Is recipe ke liye rotisserie chicken best time-saving option hai, lekin baked ya boiled chicken bhi equally acha result deta hai.
- Pasta texture: Hamesha pasta al dente cook karein, kyun ke oven mein bake hone ke dauran pasta aur soften hota hai.
- Cheese quality: Freshly shredded mozzarella aur Parmesan zyada achi melting aur creamy texture dete hain compared to pre-shredded cheese.
- Sauce balance: Agar aapka marinara sauce zyada watery ho, to thora sa sauce kam use karein taake casserole soggy na ho.
- Flavor boost: Extra flavor ke liye marinara sauce mein thora sa minced garlic ya Italian herbs add kiye ja sakte hain.
- Resting time: Baking ke baad casserole ko 5 minutes rest karne dein—iss se layers set hoti hain aur serving easy hoti hai.
- Make-ahead tip: Ye casserole ek din pehle assemble karke fridge mein store ki ja sakti hai; bake fresh jab serve karna ho.
