Sam Looking for a cheesy, comforting dinner that comes together with minimal fuss? This Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a baked twist on the classic Italian-American favorite. No frying, no breading—just layers of juicy chicken, rich marinara, tender pasta, and gooey cheese all baked into one crowd-pleasing dish.
Whether you’re craving something cozy for a rainy night or looking to impress at your next family potluck, this casserole delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s the kind of hearty, cheesy comfort food that feels like a warm hug—yet it’s incredibly easy to prep. No dredging or frying required, and you can even use rotisserie chicken to cut down on cooking time.
It’s also a versatile dish that’s easy to customize: make it low-carb, vegetarian, or loaded with veggies based on what’s in your fridge. With one pan, simple ingredients, and rich Italian flavors, this Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a guaranteed weeknight dinner win.
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RECIPE OVERVIEW
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Servings: 6–8 servings
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: ~55 minutes
Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~400
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
Budget Breakdown
- Rotisserie chicken: ~$5.00
- Pasta: ~$1.20
- Marinara sauce: ~$2.00
- Mozzarella + Parmesan: ~$3.00
- Spices & extras: ~$1.00
- Total Cost: ~$12.20
- Cost per Serving: ~$1.60
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Parmesan Casserole
- No frying needed — less mess, more ease
- Ultra-comforting with melted cheese and savory sauce
- Great for leftovers — reheats like a dream
- Kid and adult approved
- Easy to customize — switch up the cheese or add veggies
Perfect For:
- Busy weeknights when time is tight
- Feeding a crowd on a budget
- Family-style Sunday dinners
- Potlucks, parties, and make-ahead meals
- Meal prepping comfort food in advance
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Ingredient Highlights
- Rotisserie Chicken: Time-saving, flavorful, and tender.
- Marinara Sauce: Choose one with minimal added sugar and rich tomato flavor.
- Mozzarella & Parmesan: The melty/stretchy and nutty/salty combo is unbeatable.
- Pasta: Short shapes like penne or rotini hold sauce beautifully.
- Italian Spices: Bring depth without needing a long simmer.
Behind the Recipe
This Chicken Parmesan Casserole is inspired by the flavors of classic Chicken Parmigiana but adapted for busy weeknights and family-style comfort. As someone who grew up in a household where pasta was always on the table, I’ve seen countless versions of baked Italian casseroles—and this one is a standout.
It combines all the things I love about Italian-American comfort food: melty cheese, robust marinara, and a golden baked top. Whether it’s served bubbling from the oven at Sunday dinner or portioned out for weekday lunches, this dish is a nostalgic favorite that always hits the spot.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Step 2: Mix the Base
In a large bowl, toss shredded chicken and cooked pasta.
Step 3: Add Flavor
Stir in marinara sauce, garlic powder, oregano, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
Spread half the mixture in the dish. Top with half the mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat the layers.
Step 5: Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use good-quality marinara for richer flavor.
- Add veggies like mushrooms or spinach for a nutrition boost.
- Try a cheese blend — mozzarella, provolone, and fontina make it next-level.
- Let it rest before serving to help it set nicely.
- Double it and freeze one for busy weeknights.
Easy Variations
- Vegetarian: Use roasted zucchini, mushrooms, and eggplant instead of chicken.
- Low-Carb: Skip the pasta; sub with cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini.
- Spicy: Stir in crushed red pepper or top with sliced spicy sausage.
- Creamy: Add a dollop of ricotta or cream cheese into the sauce mix.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Assemble unbaked and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from thawed at 350°F for 20–25 minutes.
- Serving Ideas: Pair with garlic bread, Caesar salad, or a light veggie side like our 15-Minute Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad.
🍽️ Make It a Meal 🍜
Pair this Chicken Parmesan Casserole with:
- Garlic knots or toasted Italian bread
- Caesar salad or a mixed greens salad with balsamic vinaigrette
- Roasted broccoli or steamed green beans
- A glass of red wine or lemon iced tea
This baked pasta dish makes a comforting centerpiece for family-style dinners, holiday potlucks, or meal-prep lunches. It’s the kind of cozy, cheesy meal that makes everyone reach for seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Homemade marinara adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor and lets you control the ingredients. Just make sure it’s not too watery.
Short pasta like penne, rotini, or rigatoni are ideal. They hold the sauce well and keep the casserole structure intact.
While possible, it’s best to use cooked chicken (like rotisserie) to avoid undercooking or adding time. If using raw, pre-cook and season it first.
Yes! For a low-carb version, substitute the pasta with cauliflower rice or sliced zucchini.
Cover with foil during the first part of baking to trap moisture. Don’t overbake and ensure you use enough marinara sauce.
Definitely. It holds up well in the fridge for several days and can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Great options include garlic bread, Caesar salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted vegetables.
Yes! Try provolone, fontina, or a blend with mozzarella for added creaminess and flavor.
Yes. Assemble it unbaked, wrap tightly, and freeze. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge and bake until bubbly.
Only if you use gluten-free pasta and check that your marinara sauce and cheese are certified gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Parmesan Casserole brings together everything you love about the iconic Italian dish—without the mess of frying or the pressure of perfect layering. It’s the kind of recipe that satisfies comfort food cravings and still fits into busy weekday routines.
Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, stocking your freezer with homemade meals, or just need something filling and flavorful at the end of a long day, this casserole is a dependable classic. You can prep it in advance, customize it with your favorite veggies or cheeses, and serve it up with minimal stress.
Plus, the combination of protein-packed chicken, antioxidant-rich tomatoes, and calcium-rich cheese makes this dish both satisfying and nourishing.
Make it once and you’ll see why this Chicken Parmesan Casserole becomes a staple in so many households—it’s hearty, delicious, and endlessly adaptable. Whether it’s for a simple dinner, a cozy family gathering, or your next potluck, this dish will always deliver.
Craving more cozy meals? Try our Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers, Baked Ziti with Ricotta, or One-Pan Garlic Chicken and Veggies for even more dinner wins.
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This easy Chicken Parmesan Casserole is everything you love about the classic dish—cheesy, saucy, and comforting—baked into a no-fuss casserole perfect for busy nights.
Chicken Parmesan Casserole (Easy, Cheesy, Family Favorite)
Ingredients
- 4 cups Cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 2 cups Marinara sauce (use your favorite brand or homemade)
- 2 cups Cooked pasta (penne or rotini work best)
- 1 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Dried oregano
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare:Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Mix the Base:In a large mixing bowl, toss together the shredded chicken and cooked pasta.
- Add Flavor:Stir in the marinara sauce, garlic powder, oregano, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until everything is evenly coated.
- Layer the Casserole:Spread half the chicken and pasta mixture in the casserole dish. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Add the remaining chicken mixture and top with the rest of the cheese.
- Cover and Bake:Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve:Let the casserole rest for about 5-10 minutes after baking. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before slicing and serving.
