Chicken Parmesan Casserole

This chicken parmesan casserole transforms the classic Italian-American favorite into a simplified weeknight dinner that comes together with just 5 ingredients. The comforting combination of pasta, breaded chicken, and melty cheese creates a family-friendly meal that delivers all the familiar flavors without the usual frying and multiple steps of traditional chicken parm.

I created this shortcut version after a particularly hectic week when my family was craving something homemade but I simply didn't have time for the traditional version. The first time I served it, my husband asked if we could add it to our regular rotation immediately.

Ingredients

• Breaded chicken strips: Fully cooked, 16 ounces. Using pre-cooked chicken saves tremendous time while still providing that signature breaded texture classic to chicken parmesan.
• Penne Pasta: 16 ounces. The tubular shape catches sauce beautifully and provides the perfect hearty base for this casserole.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: 20 ounces. Look for whole milk mozzarella for the richest flavor and that perfect stretchy cheese pull when serving.
• Parmesan cheese: 4 ounces. Freshly grated provides the best flavor but pre-grated works fine for weeknight convenience.
• Pasta sauce: 32 ounces. Choose a high-quality jarred marinara for best results. San Marzano tomato varieties offer exceptional flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 350°F and allow it to fully preheat while you prepare the remaining ingredients. This ensures even cooking throughout the casserole.

Prepare the Chicken:

Take your fully cooked breaded chicken strips and cut them into bite-sized pieces. This makes the casserole easier to serve and ensures every bite contains chicken. You can use kitchen scissors for quick cutting if knife work is challenging.

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook for approximately 9 minutes. It's important to cook the pasta slightly less than al dente as it will continue cooking in the oven. The pasta should have a slight firmness when you test it.

Combine Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, combine your chicken pieces, cooked and drained pasta, 16 ounces of the mozzarella cheese, all the Parmesan cheese, and most of the pasta sauce. Be sure to reserve about one cup of sauce for topping. Gently toss everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated with sauce.

Assemble the Casserole:

Transfer your mixture into a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish, spreading it into an even layer. Pour the reserved cup of sauce over the top, ensuring even coverage. This creates a moist top layer and prevents the casserole from drying out during baking.

Add Final Cheese Layer:

Sprinkle the remaining 4 ounces of mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole. This will create that beautiful golden, bubbly cheese crust that makes chicken parmesan so irresistible.

Bake to Perfection:

Place your assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the cheese on top is completely melted, slightly golden, and the entire dish is heated through to the center.

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The marinara sauce is truly the unsung hero of this recipe. I've found that spending a little extra on a good quality jar sauce makes all the difference in the final flavor. My family particularly loves when I use a roasted garlic variety which adds extra depth without any additional work.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of chicken works best for this dish?

You can use fully cooked frozen chicken strips, shredded rotisserie chicken, or cooked chicken breast. Choose whichever suits your preference or convenience!

→ How can I ensure the pasta doesn’t overcook?

Cook the pasta just short of al dente. It will finish cooking in the oven and absorb flavors from the sauce.

→ Can I substitute other pasta shapes?

Yes, you can use different pasta like ziti or rigatoni. Just make sure the pasta can hold the sauce and cheese well.

→ What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Bake a few extra minutes if starting from cold.