Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Introduction & Inspiration

Some nights, you just want a big, bubbling casserole full of melty cheese, saucy pasta, and tender chicken.

That’s exactly why I created this Chicken Parmesan Casserole recipe.

It takes all the best parts of classic chicken parmesan — the juicy chicken, rich marinara, gooey mozzarella, and crispy topping — and bakes them together into one cozy, crave-worthy dish.

It’s the kind of dinner that fills your kitchen with the most irresistible smells and brings everyone running to the table.

Simple ingredients, one baking dish, and maximum comfort — what more could you want?

Nostalgic Appeal

Chicken Parmesan was always a special-occasion dish growing up — cheesy, hearty, and full of bold flavors.

Turning it into an easy casserole version brings back all those cozy, comforting memories but makes it perfect for busy weeknights.

Every bite of this casserole feels like a warm hug — the gooey cheese, the tender pasta, the savory marinara — it all just works.

It’s the kind of meal that reminds me why home-cooked food is always worth it.

Food that tastes like family, laughter, and good times — that’s what this dish delivers.

Homemade Focus

Making this Chicken Parmesan Casserole from scratch means you know exactly what’s going into your meal.

You season your own chicken, mix everything fresh, and bake it all together so the flavors really come alive.

Using simple pantry staples like pasta, marinara sauce, and fresh mozzarella ensures every bite is packed with real, wholesome ingredients.

There’s no shortcuts here — just good, old-fashioned comfort food made simple.

And the best part?
It all happens in one dish, which means fewer dishes to clean up later.

Flavor Goal

The goal with this recipe was to keep all the bold, hearty flavors of classic chicken parmesan but make it easier and cozier.

The chicken is seasoned simply with garlic, oregano, and Italian seasoning, soaking up all the sauce and baking to tender perfection.

The rigatoni pasta cooks right in the sauce and water, becoming perfectly tender while absorbing tons of flavor.

Marinara sauce adds a rich, tangy tomato base that ties everything together.

Mozzarella melts into gooey, cheesy goodness, while Panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan create that irresistible golden crust.

Every forkful is saucy, cheesy, crispy, and hearty — exactly what comfort food should be.

Ingredient Insights

Every ingredient in this casserole was chosen to maximize flavor and texture.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are diced into bite-sized pieces so they cook quickly and stay juicy.

Fresh garlic adds bold, savory flavor right from the start.

Italian seasoning and oregano layer in warm, herby notes that complement the marinara sauce beautifully.

Rigatoni pasta holds up perfectly during baking, its ridges catching all the cheesy, saucy goodness.

Marinara sauce provides a rich, tangy base that keeps the dish moist and flavorful.

Water helps the pasta cook directly in the sauce, soaking up even more flavor.

Mozzarella cheese melts into stretchy, gooey perfection.

Panko breadcrumbs add that essential crunchy topping that makes every bite satisfying.

Parmesan cheese finishes everything off with a nutty, salty punch.

Fresh basil adds a final burst of color and freshness just before serving.

Essential Equipment

You’ll only need a few basic tools to make this cozy casserole.

A large bowl for tossing the chicken with seasoning.

A 9×13 baking dish for mixing and baking everything together.

A sheet of aluminum foil to cover the casserole for the first bake.

A wooden spoon or spatula for stirring everything together in the dish.

Simple equipment, amazing comfort food payoff.

Ingredients with Measurements

For the Casserole:

• 1½ pounds chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, diced into bite-sized cubes
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 16 oz rigatoni pasta, uncooked
• 24 oz jar marinara sauce
• 3 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For Garnish:

• Fresh basil, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 425°F.
Spray a 9×13 baking dish lightly with cooking spray or oil.

Step 2:
In a bowl, toss the diced chicken breasts with minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and oregano.
Let it sit for about 5 minutes to soak up all the flavors.

Step 3:
In the prepared baking dish, add the uncooked rigatoni pasta, marinara sauce, water, seasoned chicken, salt, and black pepper.

Step 4:
Stir everything together right inside the baking dish until well combined.

Step 5:
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap the moisture.
Bake covered for 30 minutes.

Step 6:
After 30 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven and uncover it.
Give it a good stir — it’s normal if there’s still liquid, and the pasta may not be fully cooked yet.

Step 7:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

Step 8:
Top with Panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese for that perfect crunchy topping.

Step 9:
Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbling and the pasta is tender.

Step 10:
Garnish with freshly chopped basil before serving.

Troubleshooting

If your pasta is still too firm after baking, cover loosely and bake for an extra 5-10 minutes.

If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil during the last few minutes.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving — a sprinkle of extra salt, pepper, or Parmesan can really bring the flavors out.

Be sure to stir well after the first bake to ensure even pasta cooking.

Tips and Variations

Use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken to speed up prep even more.

Swap out rigatoni for penne, ziti, or any short pasta you love.

Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers to the casserole for extra veggies.

Top with crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve this Chicken Parmesan Casserole with a simple green salad tossed in vinaigrette for balance.

Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks make the perfect side to soak up the saucy goodness.

Pair it with a glass of Chianti or a light Pinot Noir for a classic Italian-inspired meal.

It’s hearty, cozy, and perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or even meal prepping for the week ahead.

Nutritional Information

This casserole is packed with protein from the chicken and hearty carbs from the pasta.

The marinara sauce adds tomatoes and rich flavor, while mozzarella and Parmesan bring satisfying richness.

Fresh basil adds nutrients and a pop of freshness that balances the hearty, cheesy goodness.

Comforting, filling, and packed with real ingredients — it’s the best kind of home-cooked meal.

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Recipe Summary and Q&A

This Chicken Parmesan Casserole is cheesy, saucy, hearty, and baked to golden perfection — the ultimate easy comfort food for any night of the week.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes!
Assemble everything up to the point of baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Can I freeze it?
You can!
Freeze after assembling (before baking) or after baking and cooling completely. Bake from frozen or thaw overnight and reheat.

How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Golden, cheesy, hearty, and cozy — this Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a guaranteed hit every time!