Introduction & Inspiration
Whenever I’m craving a classic comfort meal without spending hours in the kitchen, this Chicken Parmesan Casserole is my answer. It’s cheesy, hearty, and combines all the best parts of chicken parmesan into an easy-to-make bake. One dish, a handful of ingredients, and dinner is on the table with almost no fuss.
Nostalgic Appeal
Chicken Parmesan always reminds me of cozy Sunday dinners with family, the kitchen filled with the smell of bubbling marinara and melted cheese. This casserole version brings all those same nostalgic flavors in a way that’s quicker and even more satisfying for busy nights. It’s like a warm hug on a plate, loaded with familiar, comforting tastes.
Homemade Focus
Making this dish from scratch means I can use quality chicken, real marinara, and plenty of fresh cheese for the best flavor. I love controlling the seasoning, the cheesiness, and the texture of the pasta exactly how my family likes it. Homemade casseroles like this always taste better, feel more satisfying, and leave plenty of delicious leftovers for the next day.
Flavor Goal
The goal for this Chicken Parmesan Casserole was to deliver everything we love about the classic dish without the hassle of frying or layering. The chicken needed to be juicy and flavorful, the pasta tender but not mushy, and the topping crispy, cheesy, and golden. Every bite had to deliver a perfect balance of savory marinara, creamy mozzarella, and crunchy breadcrumbs.
Ingredient Insights
Skinless, boneless chicken breasts diced into bite-sized cubes cook quickly and evenly throughout the casserole. Fresh minced garlic and a blend of Italian seasoning and oregano infuse the chicken with rich, herby flavor. Uncooked rigatoni pasta bakes right in the dish, absorbing all the delicious marinara and chicken juices. Marinara sauce provides a rich, tangy tomato base that brings everything together beautifully. Water ensures the pasta cooks properly without boiling separately, making this a true one-dish meal. Mozzarella cheese melts into gooey, stretchy perfection, creating that irresistible cheesy layer. Panko breadcrumbs add a light, crispy texture on top without becoming heavy or greasy. Grated Parmesan cheese delivers a final salty, nutty finish that ties all the flavors together.
Essential Equipment
A large mixing bowl makes seasoning the chicken quick and even. A 9×13 baking dish is essential for holding all the ingredients and baking everything to perfection. Aluminum foil is key for trapping steam so the pasta can cook fully without drying out. A sturdy spoon helps mix everything together right in the baking dish for minimal cleanup.
List of Ingredients with Measurements
1½ lb chicken breasts, skinless and boneless, diced into bite-sized cubes
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp oregano
16 oz uncooked rigatoni pasta
24 oz jar marinara sauce
3 cups water
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Garnish:
Fresh basil, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Dish
Preheat your oven to 425°F.
Spray a 9×13 baking dish lightly with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
In a large bowl, toss the diced chicken with minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and oregano. Let the chicken sit for about 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
In the prepared baking dish, combine the uncooked rigatoni pasta, marinara sauce, water, seasoned chicken, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together right in the dish to evenly distribute the ingredients.
Step 4: Bake the First Round
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to allow the pasta to cook and the flavors to meld.
Step 5: Add the Cheesy Topping
After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil and stir the casserole. The pasta will still be slightly firm, and there will be extra liquid, but that’s expected.
Step 6: Finish Baking
Sprinkle the top with shredded mozzarella, Panko breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese. Return the casserole to the oven uncovered and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly and the pasta is fully tender.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle generously with chopped fresh basil. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.
Troubleshooting
If your pasta is still too firm after baking, cover and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until fully tender. If the topping browns too quickly, loosely tent the dish with foil during the last few minutes of baking. If there seems to be too much liquid after stirring, don’t worry, it will absorb as the casserole finishes baking.
Tips and Variations
Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for an even juicier and more flavorful casserole. Swap out rigatoni for penne, ziti, or another short pasta depending on what you have on hand. Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for extra veggies baked right into the dish. Top with extra mozzarella and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicier version.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve this Chicken Parmesan Casserole with a crisp Caesar salad for a classic Italian dinner. Pair it with warm garlic bread to mop up every bit of sauce and melted cheese. A glass of Chianti or a sparkling water with lemon makes the perfect refreshing drink to accompany this rich dish.
Nutritional Information
This casserole provides a balanced meal with plenty of protein from the chicken and a satisfying serving of carbs from the pasta. Fresh basil adds brightness and extra nutrients without adding heaviness. Using quality cheeses and a simple marinara sauce keeps the flavors fresh and authentic.
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Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Description
Discover how to make a rich and easy Chicken Parmesan Casserole packed with juicy chicken, tender rigatoni, marinara sauce, and lots of gooey mozzarella. A comforting dinner ready in just one dish!
Ingredients
1½ lb chicken breasts, skinless and boneless, diced into bite-sized cubes
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp oregano
16 oz uncooked rigatoni pasta
24 oz jar marinara sauce
3 cups water
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Garnish:
Fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Dish
Preheat your oven to 425°F.
Spray a 9×13 baking dish lightly with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
In a large bowl, toss the diced chicken with minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and oregano. Let the chicken sit for about 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
In the prepared baking dish, combine the uncooked rigatoni pasta, marinara sauce, water, seasoned chicken, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together right in the dish to evenly distribute the ingredients.
Step 4: Bake the First Round
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to allow the pasta to cook and the flavors to meld.
Step 5: Add the Cheesy Topping
After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil and stir the casserole. The pasta will still be slightly firm, and there will be extra liquid, but that’s expected.
Step 6: Finish Baking
Sprinkle the top with shredded mozzarella, Panko breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese. Return the casserole to the oven uncovered and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly and the pasta is fully tender.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle generously with chopped fresh basil. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.
Recipe Summary and Q&A
Today, I shared my easy and delicious Chicken Parmesan Casserole recipe, perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners. We seasoned chicken, combined it with uncooked pasta, marinara, and cheeses, and baked everything into a golden, cheesy masterpiece. Can you make it ahead? Yes — assemble it, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Can you freeze it? Absolutely — just thaw and reheat covered in the oven until warmed through. This is the kind of comforting, crowd-pleasing meal you’ll find yourself making again and again because it’s just that good!