Chicken Parmesan Casserole
A comforting casserole featuring tender chicken, marinara sauce, and ooey-gooey melted cheese, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or shells) Slightly undercooked (al dente) pasta holds up best when baked.
- 2 cups marinara sauce Use a good-quality brand for best flavor.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Whole-milk mozzarella melts best.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Freshly grated has the best flavor.
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken Rotisserie, poached, or leftover roasted chicken works.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish Optional
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch or similar baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, shredded chicken, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer the pasta-and-chicken mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the top, then scatter the grated Parmesan for a golden crust.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden around the edges.
Serving
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes; this helps it set and makes serving neater.
- Garnish with torn fresh basil leaves if you like, then portion and serve.
Notes
Rotate the dish halfway through baking if your oven has hot spots to ensure even browning. This casserole can be enjoyed with a green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. For a family-style presentation, bake in a shallow casserole.