Transform your dinner routine with this incredibly easy Chicken Parmesan Casserole! This dish brings all the beloved, comforting flavors of classic Chicken Parmesan—crispy breaded chicken, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese—into one simple, baked casserole. It’s a truly effortless way to enjoy a hearty Italian-inspired meal without the fuss of frying or multiple pans. This recipe has quickly become a cornerstone of our family dinners, celebrated for its simplicity, robust flavors, and consistently perfect results.

If you’re a fan of cheesy, saucy baked pasta dishes that satisfy everyone at the table, just like our Simple Cheese Ravioli Bake or the vibrant Fiesta Chicken Casserole, then this Chicken Parmesan Casserole is destined to be an instant hit in your kitchen. It’s the ultimate comfort food, redesigned for maximum convenience and deliciousness.

👉 Don’t forget to complete your meal! Our delightful Berry Cobbler offers the perfect sweet and fruity ending to any hearty dinner.

Why You’ll Adore This Chicken Parmesan Casserole

This recipe delivers everything you cherish about traditional Chicken Parmesan, but with an incredible twist: it eliminates all the usual fuss. Forget the messy frying of chicken cutlets, the complicated layering, and the multiple dishes. With this casserole, you simply mix all your ingredients, pop it in the oven, and emerge with a hearty, satisfying Italian-style dinner all in one convenient pan. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something special but need simplicity.

• ⏰ Ready In Just Over 1 Hour: From prep to table, this meal is quick enough for any evening.
• 🍂 Perfect For Every Occasion: Whether it’s a bustling family dinner, a relaxed weeknight, or a component of your weekly meal prep, this casserole fits the bill.
• 🛒 Simple, Accessible Ingredients: You’ll only need basic pantry staples like chicken, pasta, marinara, mozzarella, and breadcrumbs.
• 🍽️ Generous Servings: This recipe comfortably serves 4, making it ideal for families or for enjoying delicious leftovers.
• 👩‍🍳 Effortless Difficulty: Rated “Easy,” this dish is forgiving and perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
• 🧊 Make-Ahead & Freezer Friendly: Prepare it in advance for future meals or freeze portions for ultimate convenience.
• Less Cleanup: One pan means significantly fewer dishes to wash after dinner!

👉 Looking for similar flavors with even less effort? You must try my Chicken Cordon Bleu Pockets for another quick and tasty meal solution.

Made With Love,

Essential Ingredients for Your Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Creating this irresistible casserole requires a handful of straightforward ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what makes this dish so delicious and easy:

• Chicken Breast: We use boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces. This ensures quick and even cooking directly in the casserole, absorbing all the wonderful flavors. For a boost in flavor, consider marinating the chicken briefly or using boneless chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
• Pasta: Bow ties (farfalle) are suggested, but penne, ziti, or rotini also work beautifully. Choose any shaped pasta that you love and that can hold onto the delicious sauce. Cook it al dente before adding if you prefer, or follow the one-pan method for ease.
• Marinara Sauce: This is the heart of our Italian flavor profile. A good quality store-bought marinara sauce will save you time and still deliver fantastic taste. Look for a brand with rich tomato flavor and minimal added sugars. Alternatively, a homemade marinara will elevate the dish even further.
• Mozzarella & Parmesan Cheese: The dynamic duo for ultimate cheesiness! Freshly shredded mozzarella melts into glorious strings, while Parmesan adds a sharp, salty depth. Using both creates that classic Chicken Parmesan experience.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: For that signature crispy topping that mimics fried chicken cutlets. Panko breadcrumbs are superior for achieving a light, airy, and extra-crunchy texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning are the simple yet powerful trio that infuse our casserole with aromatic, herbaceous Italian flavors.

👉 If you’re a fan of baked pasta dinners and one-pot wonders, you’ll also adore my Easiest One Pot Creamy Pasta!

Detailed Ingredients List

Here are the exact quantities for this delightful Chicken Parmesan Casserole. Gather these items and you’ll be well on your way to a fantastic meal:

• 12 oz bow tie pasta (or any shaped pasta like penne or ziti)
• 3 cups water (or chicken broth for enhanced flavor)
• 3 cups marinara sauce (your favorite store-bought or homemade)
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into uniform bite-sized pieces
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning blend
• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for the crispy topping)

🔒 For your convenience, the comprehensive, printable recipe card located below includes the full ingredient list with exact amounts, along with detailed instructions. It’s perfect for saving digitally or printing for your recipe binder.

Exciting Chicken Parmesan Casserole Variations & Customizations

This casserole is wonderfully adaptable! Feel free to experiment with these variations to tailor it to your family’s preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand:

• Breadcrumb Alternatives: While panko offers superior crunch, you can easily swap it for crushed Ritz crackers, Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, or even a mix of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan for a richer crust.
• Pre-Cooked Chicken for Speed: To cut down on cooking time, use pre-cooked shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken breast. If using pre-cooked chicken, reduce the covered baking time to about 30 minutes, just enough for the pasta to cook through and flavors to meld.
• Herbaceous Boost: Incorporate fresh herbs like chopped basil or oregano into the sauce mixture before baking. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil over the finished casserole also adds a vibrant, fresh touch.
• Add Vegetables: Boost the nutritional value and texture by mixing in a handful of fresh spinach, diced bell peppers, sautéed mushrooms, or canned diced tomatoes (drained) with the other ingredients.
• Cheese Options: Beyond mozzarella and Parmesan, consider adding a layer of provolone or a touch of creamy fontina cheese for different flavor nuances and melt characteristics.
• Spice It Up: For those who enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.
• Meatball Parmesan Casserole: For a twist, replace the chicken with pre-cooked Italian meatballs (beef, pork, or turkey) for a hearty meatball parm experience.

👉 If you appreciate the simplicity and deliciousness of layered dinners, be sure to try my Red Chili Chicken Enchiladas. They’re another crowd-pleasing, easy meal!

My Pro TipS

Expert Tips for a Perfect Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Even though this recipe is incredibly easy, a few simple tips can elevate your casserole from good to absolutely fantastic:

• Choose Chicken Broth Over Water: Using chicken broth instead of plain water in the pasta mixture will infuse the entire casserole with a richer, more savory depth of flavor. It’s a small change with a big impact!
• Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can hinder their melt and make them less smooth. Shredding your own mozzarella and Parmesan from blocks will give you a superior, gooier melt and better flavor.
• Cover Tightly for Even Cooking: Ensure your baking dish is sealed tightly with aluminum foil during the initial bake. This creates a steamy environment that allows the pasta to cook thoroughly and evenly without becoming dry, and keeps the chicken tender.
• Let It Rest: Once baked, resist the urge to dive in immediately. Allowing the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven lets the sauce set and thicken, making it much easier to portion and serve, and preventing it from being too runny.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Dish: Ensure there’s enough room in your 9×13-inch baking dish for all ingredients to cook evenly. An overcrowded dish might result in unevenly cooked pasta or a less bubbly top.
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your marinara sauce before adding it. Depending on its saltiness, you might need to adjust the amount of salt and pepper you add to the casserole.

Chicken Parmesan Casserole: Your Questions Answered!

Perfect Pairings & Serving Suggestions

This Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can enhance the dining experience with these delightful accompaniments:

• Garlic Bread or Toasted Baguette: Essential for soaking up every last drop of that savory marinara sauce.
• Fresh Green Salad: A crisp Caesar salad, a simple mixed greens salad with a vinaigrette, or even a caprese salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich casserole.
• Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus make excellent, healthy side dishes.
• Fresh Herbs: A final sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil before serving adds a beautiful garnish and a burst of fresh flavor.
• Sweet Ending: For dessert, a light and fruity option like our Berry Cobbler or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream would be sublime.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Instructions

This casserole is incredibly convenient for meal planning and enjoying leftovers:

• Fridge Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezer Storage: For longer storage, this casserole freezes beautifully. You can freeze it unbaked (assemble all ingredients except for the cheese and breadcrumbs, then add those after thawing) or baked. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• Reheating:
  • From the Fridge: For single servings, microwave until hot. For a whole casserole, bake covered at 350℉ (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. Add a splash of broth if it seems dry.
  • From the Freezer (Thawed): Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Then, bake as directed for a fresh casserole.
  • From the Freezer (Unthawed): This is possible but will significantly increase baking time. Bake covered at 350℉ (175°C) for 60-90 minutes, then uncover, add cheese/breadcrumbs, and continue baking until bubbly and golden.