Can I use cooked chicken instead of raw?

Absolutely! Stir in diced or shredded cooked chicken at the beginning, and you can cut the initial covered baking time by about 10 minutes since you’re only cooking the pasta.

Is it possible to assemble this casserole ahead of time?

Definitely. Assemble everything except the breadcrumb topping, cover, and refrigerate up to a day before baking. Just add the panko and parmesan before popping it in the oven.

What’s the best way to get that really crisp breadcrumb topping?

Toss the panko with a tablespoon of olive oil before adding, and don’t skip the final bake uncovered. Broil for a couple of minutes at the end if you want extra crunch—but watch closely!

Can I make this with a different pasta shape?

Certainly! Any short, sturdy pasta like penne or ziti will work well. Just make sure you’re using a pasta that can stand up to baking and won’t overcook too quickly.

Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

Name: Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 ½ lb chicken breasts, skinless and boneless, diced into bite-size cubes; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tbsp Italian seasoning; 1 tsp oregano; 16 oz rigatoni pasta, uncooked; 24 oz jar marinara sauce; 3 cups water; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 cups shredded mozzarella; 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh basil, chopped

Imagine all the cheesy, saucy comfort of classic chicken parmesan—now picture it bubbling away in a single, fuss-free casserole dish. This Chicken Parmesan Casserole is your new answer to those nights when everyone craves something heartwarming, but there’s barely time to set the table. It nails those craveable Italian-American flavors—tender chicken, tangy marinara, gooey cheese, crunchy topping—with just minutes of active prep. Perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you want to serve up something that gets the whole table excited, this dish will quickly become a weeknight staple you look forward to again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

So Easy, So Satisfying: Minimal prep, zero frying, and you still get all the classic flavors you love.
One Pan Wonder: Everything mixes together before hitting the oven, saving you time and keeping cleanup to a minimum.
Ultimate Comfort: This casserole hits every pleasure point—juicy chicken, melty cheese, tender pasta, and a crispy, golden top.
Family-Friendly: Pickiest eaters? No problem. This meal is a kid-pleaser and crowd favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, here’s what you’ll need. No need to measure just yet—focus on the role of each ingredient and some helpful tips so you can adjust to your preferences.

Chicken Breasts: Use skinless, boneless, diced into cubes for perfectly tender pieces that cook evenly and soak up flavor.
Garlic: Minced—the more, the merrier! Adds that signature irresistible Italian aroma and depth.
Italian Seasoning: Stars as the flavor backbone, infusing the dish with herbs like basil, thyme, and rosemary.
Oregano: A bonus herbal boost—don’t skip if you want that true pizzeria vibe.
Rigatoni Pasta: Tubular shape hugs sauce and cheese. Penne or ziti work too if that’s what’s in your pantry.
Marinara Sauce: Go with your favorite jarred brand, or homemade if you’ve got some on hand.
Water: Essential for cooking the pasta right in the sauce—genius, right?
Salt and Black Pepper: For well-rounded seasoning. Adjust to your taste.
Shredded Mozzarella: That fabulous melt and stretch is what makes this dish addictive.
Panko Breadcrumbs: For the essential crispy, crunchy topping. They toast up beautifully while the casserole bakes.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Savory and salty, it mingles with the breadcrumbs for the ultimate oven-browned finish.
Fresh Basil: Chopped for a burst of color and fresh flavor when serving.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Looking to put your own twist on this dish? Go for it! Here are some easy ways to change things up:

Protein Swap: Sub in cooked Italian sausage, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even cooked ground turkey.
Vegetarian Version: Omit chicken, double the cheese, and toss in sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
Sauce Upgrade: Add a layer of pesto, or swirl in Alfredo for an extra-rich flavor.
Gluten-Free: Choose your favorite gluten-free tube pasta and gluten-free panko.
Cheese Lover’s: Mix in provolone or fontina for an even cheesier bake.
Spicy Kick: Add a few pinches of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce if your crew likes a bit of heat.

How to Make Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Ready for easy weeknight magic? Here’s how to pull this off with almost zero fuss:

Step 1: Prep Everything

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a large casserole or 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Mix It Up

In your casserole dish, combine diced chicken, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, oregano, rigatoni, marinara sauce, water, salt, and pepper. Stir it well—trust that the pasta will cook perfectly in all that saucy goodness.

Step 3: Bake (First Round)

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for about 30-35 minutes. The pasta should be getting close to al dente, and the chicken will be juicy and tender. Give everything a good stir.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Crunch

Sprinkle the mozzarella evenly over the top, followed by a generous layer of panko and a shower of grated parmesan.

Step 5: Finish Baking

Bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes. When the breadcrumb topping turns golden brown and the cheese is gooey and bubbling at the edges, you’ve nailed it!

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Let it rest a few minutes for easier scooping. Scatter chopped fresh basil over the top for that beautiful finish.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Dice Evenly: Cut the chicken into uniform pieces to ensure quick, even cooking.
Pasta Trick: Don’t pre-cook the pasta—the oven and sauce do all the work, saving you time and pots.
Breadcrumb Gold: For even crunchier panko, toss them with a tiny bit of olive oil before sprinkling over the casserole.
Cheese Layering: Layer cheese under and on top of the breadcrumbs if you crave extra gooeyness.
Test for Doneness: Pasta should be tender and chicken hot all the way through—take a quick bite to check!

How to Serve

There’s no wrong way to enjoy this cheesy masterpiece! Here are some favorites:

With Sides

Serve big scoops alongside a crisp green salad or garlicky roasted vegetables. Warm, crusty bread makes the ultimate partner for mopping up sauce.

For a Fancy Touch

A drizzle of balsamic glaze or extra parmesan curls over top takes it up a notch without extra effort.

Family Style

Place right in the center of the table—let everyone help themselves and watch it disappear.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftovers, then transfer to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Freezes well! Cool completely, then wrap the dish tightly or scoop into freezer containers. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or microwave individual portions. Add a splash of water if needed to loosen up the sauce, and bake covered to prevent drying.

FAQs

Can I use cooked chicken instead of raw?

Absolutely! Stir in diced or shredded cooked chicken at the beginning, and you can cut the initial covered baking time by about 10 minutes since you’re only cooking the pasta.
Is it possible to assemble this casserole ahead of time?

Definitely. Assemble everything except the breadcrumb topping, cover, and refrigerate up to a day before baking. Just add the panko and parmesan before popping it in the oven.
What’s the best way to get that really crisp breadcrumb topping?

Toss the panko with a tablespoon of olive oil before adding, and don’t skip the final bake uncovered. Broil for a couple of minutes at the end if you want extra crunch—but watch closely!
Can I make this with a different pasta shape?

Certainly! Any short, sturdy pasta like penne or ziti will work well. Just make sure you’re using a pasta that can stand up to baking and won’t overcook too quickly.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dinner that combines all the magic of chicken parmesan and pasta in an effortless, family-pleasing bake, this Chicken Parmesan Casserole is bound to become your new go-to. Warm, bubbling, and total comfort—this is the kind of meal that makes weeknights delicious. Don’t hesitate to make it your own, and enjoy every cheesy, crunchy, saucy bite!