Introduction
There’s something magical about pulling a bubbling hot casserole from the oven. The cheesy aroma, crispy golden top, and blend of rich flavors make it feel like an edible hug. And when that casserole is a mashup of two classic dishes? Pure comfort food bliss it’s the Chicken Parmesan.
Introducing the Chicken Parmesan Casserole, a delightful combination of crispy, breaded chicken, rich marinara sauce, hearty pasta, and a melty layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Whether you’re looking for a hearty dinner on a chilly evening or a dish to wow the crowd at your next potluck, this casserole has you covered. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Parmesan Casserole
- Combines two Italian-American favorites: Chicken Parmesan and cheesy baked pasta.
- Easy to make with store-bought or homemade ingredients.
- Crispy breaded chicken with marinara and layers of cheese.
- Reheats beautifully for delicious leftovers.
- Totally customizable with your favorite pasta, sauce, or protein.
Ingredients
- 3/4 lb rigatoni pasta
- 32 oz marinara sauce (up to 48 oz for saucier pasta)
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp seasoned salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups Italian breadcrumbs
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Casserole
- Cook the pasta: Boil the rigatoni just shy of al dente (about 1 minute less than the package instructions). Drain and toss with marinara sauce, 2 tbsp Parmesan, and 1 cup mozzarella.
- Bread the chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into 1/2-inch thick strips. Set up a dredging station with flour (seasoned with salt and pepper), beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs. Coat the chicken in flour, dip in egg, and then press into the breadcrumbs.
- Fry the chicken: Heat oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the breaded chicken for 4 minutes on each side, until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels and cut into bite-size pieces.
- Assemble the casserole: Preheat the oven to 375°F. In a greased 9×13 baking dish, layer half the pasta mixture, followed by half the chicken, 1 cup of mozzarella, and 2 tbsp of Parmesan. Repeat layers, ending with the remaining cheeses on top.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 25 minutes, until hot and bubbly. For a crispier topping, increase the oven temperature to 425°F for the last 5 minutes.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and enjoy with a side of garlic bread!
Shortcuts for Easy Prep
- Frozen chicken tenders: Don’t feel like breading and frying chicken? Use frozen chicken tenders instead. Let them sit at room temperature for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
- Rotisserie chicken: Grab a rotisserie chicken from the store, shred or dice the meat, and layer it into the casserole.
- Extra crunchy topping: Combine 1 cup of breadcrumbs with 1/3 cup of melted butter and sprinkle over the top before baking.
Make-Ahead Tips
This Chicken Parmesan Casserole is perfect for meal prepping. You can assemble the casserole up to 2 days in advance. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, cover with foil, and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 25 minutes until hot and bubbly.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! You can use penne, ziti, or any other sturdy pasta that holds up well in casseroles.
Q: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
Q: Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
A: Yes, just use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs to make this dish gluten-free!
Conclusion
Whether you’re hosting a crowd or craving a warm, comforting dinner, this Chicken Parmesan Casserole is sure to be a hit. The combination of cheesy pasta and crispy chicken makes it an instant favorite, perfect for any night of the week. It’s rich, hearty, and packed with Italian flavors that everyone will love.
Don’t forget to grab some garlic bread to soak up all that extra sauce! Happy cooking!