Why Make This Recipe
Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a hearty and delicious dish that combines the classic flavors of chicken Parmesan in a comforting casserole form. It’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings because it’s easy to prepare and can feed a crowd. Plus, it’s a great way to use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken, making it a convenient choice for busy weeknights.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Ingredients:
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded (You can use rotisserie chicken to save time.)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups cooked pasta (e.g., penne or rotini)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- For garnish: fresh basil or parsley (Optional garnish)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the shredded chicken, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and heat for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, half of the Parmesan cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix well.
- Add the seasoned chicken to the pasta mixture and mix until everything is evenly distributed.
- Pour the casserole mixture into the greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it evenly.
- Top the casserole with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once done, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if using.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Serve the Chicken Parmesan Casserole warm from the oven. It pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. You can also add some extra herbs or red pepper flakes for an added kick, depending on your taste.
How to Store Chicken Parmesan Casserole
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it can last for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the casserole for longer storage. Just make sure to wrap it well before freezing. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in the oven until warmed through.
Tips to Make Chicken Parmesan Casserole
- Feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer. Penne or rotini works well, but you can use spaghetti or any other type you have on hand.
- For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of cream cheese to the mixture before baking.
- Adjust the seasonings to your liking. Adding some crushed red pepper can give it a nice heat.
Variation
You can easily adapt this recipe by adding in vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor. You can also switch out the marinara sauce for alfredo sauce for a different taste.
FAQs
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Can I use uncooked chicken?
- Yes, but you will need to cook it thoroughly before mixing it into the casserole.
-
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
- Absolutely! You can prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it goes in cold.
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Is this casserole good for meal prep?
- Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep! You can portion it out for easy lunches throughout the week.
Chicken Parmesan Casserole
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A hearty and delicious casserole that combines the classic flavors of chicken Parmesan, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups cooked pasta (e.g., penne or rotini)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- For garnish: fresh basil or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the shredded chicken, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and heat for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, half of the Parmesan cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix well.
- Add the seasoned chicken to the pasta mixture and mix until everything is evenly distributed.
- Pour the casserole mixture into the greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it evenly.
- Top the casserole with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once done, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if using.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Feel free to add in vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition. Great for meal prep!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken, casserole, pasta, comfort food, family meal