What’s better than Chicken Parm? Chicken Parm + Pasta + Cheese, baked until bubbly.
This casserole takes everything you love about classic Chicken Parmesan—crispy chicken, melty mozzarella, rich tomato sauce—and mashes it up with pasta for the ultimate comfort food combo. It’s hearty, cheesy, and weeknight-friendly. Plus, you only need one dish to serve a crowd or keep your future self fed with leftovers for days. No frying, no fuss—just bake and dig in.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
All the flavor of Chicken Parmesan with way less effort
Cheesy, saucy, and satisfying in every bite
Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping
Kid-friendly and picky-eater approved
Freezer-friendly for make-ahead magic
What You’ll Need
12 oz penne or rigatoni
2 cups cooked chicken (grilled, roasted, or rotisserie), chopped or shredded
3 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Let’s Get It Baking
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until just shy of al dente (it’ll keep cooking in the oven). Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Mix it up
In a big mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped chicken, marinara sauce, and half of the mozzarella. Stir until everything’s nicely coated.
Step 3: Assemble the casserole
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella, parmesan, and breadcrumbs evenly on top. Drizzle with olive oil and a pinch of Italian seasoning.
Step 4: Bake until bubbly
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the top is golden brown. If you want a crispier top, broil for the last 2–3 minutes—just keep an eye on it.
Step 5: Garnish and serve
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Top with fresh basil or parsley and serve it up hot.
Ways to Switch It Up
Use breaded chicken tenders for extra texture
Swap in spaghetti squash or gluten-free pasta
Add chopped spinach or sautéed mushrooms for more veg
Mix in crushed red pepper if you like it spicy
People Also Ask
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. Assemble it and refrigerate (covered) for up to 24 hours. Add 5–10 extra minutes to the baking time.
Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Yes—freeze the unbaked casserole tightly wrapped for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Q: What kind of chicken works best?
A: Leftover grilled chicken, rotisserie, or even breaded frozen tenders all work.
Q: How long does it keep?
A: 3–4 days in the fridge. Reheats great in the microwave or oven.
Chicken Parmesan Pasta Casserole: Cozy Meets Cheesy in One Pan
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
This casserole takes everything you love about classic Chicken Parmesan—crispy chicken, melty mozzarella, rich tomato sauce—and mashes it up with pasta for the ultimate comfort food combo. It’s hearty, cheesy, and weeknight-friendly. Plus, you only need one dish to serve a crowd or keep your future self fed with leftovers for days. No frying, no fuss—just bake and dig in.
Ingredients
12 oz penne or rigatoni
2 cups cooked chicken (grilled, roasted, or rotisserie), chopped or shredded
3 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until just shy of al dente (it’ll keep cooking in the oven). Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Mix it up
In a big mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped chicken, marinara sauce, and half of the mozzarella. Stir until everything’s nicely coated.
Step 3: Assemble the casserole
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella, parmesan, and breadcrumbs evenly on top. Drizzle with olive oil and a pinch of Italian seasoning.
Step 4: Bake until bubbly
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the top is golden brown. If you want a crispier top, broil for the last 2–3 minutes—just keep an eye on it.
Step 5: Garnish and serve
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Top with fresh basil or parsley and serve it up hot.
Notes
Use breaded chicken tenders for extra texture
Swap in spaghetti squash or gluten-free pasta
Add chopped spinach or sautéed mushrooms for more veg
Mix in crushed red pepper if you like it spicy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~420 per serving
- Protein: ~30g