If you love cozy, flavorful dinners that come together with minimal effort, you are going to adore this Easy Chicken Parmesan Casserole With Pasta Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of comforting pasta, tender rotisserie chicken, tangy marinara, and gooey cheese topped with a crispy, buttery panko crust. Whether you’re feeding picky kids or craving a no-fuss Italian-inspired meal on a busy weeknight, this casserole brings warmth and satisfaction to your table without the stress of complicated cooking. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it might just become your new favorite go-to for family dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role—from the juicy rotisserie chicken that keeps things quick, to the cheesy layers that add richness and depth. Together, they create a casserole that’s both easy to pull off and delightful to eat.
- Rotisserie chicken: Using pre-cooked chicken saves time and adds incredible flavor without extra work.
- Pasta (1/2 lb): About 3 cups dry, it provides the hearty base that soaks up all the saucy goodness.
- Marinara or spaghetti sauce (24oz jar): Choose your favorite brand or homemade sauce for tangy, comforting flavor.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): Melts beautifully to give you that classic, stretchy cheese pull.
- Grated parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Adds a sharp, nutty punch that’s essential to chicken parmesan dishes.
- Panko bread crumbs (3/4 cup): For the irresistibly crispy, golden topping that contrasts the creamy cheese.
- Melted butter (2 tbsp): Combines with panko to create the perfect crunchy crust.
- Italian seasoning (1 tsp): Brings in a fragrant mix of herbs to elevate the flavors.
- Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): Adds a subtle savory undertone without overpowering the dish.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Easy Chicken Parmesan Casserole With Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350° F and greasing a medium-sized baking dish, ideally around 7×9 inches. This helps prevent sticking and ensures an easy cleanup. Setting the stage properly leads to a smooth cooking experience.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Boil your pasta according to package instructions until just al dente, then drain well. This step is essential to avoid mushy pasta later and helps the noodles hold their shape after baking.
Step 3: Combine the Sauce and Chicken
Return the drained pasta to the pot and stir in the marinara sauce, pulled rotisserie chicken, half of the mozzarella, half of the parmesan, and 1 to 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning. Let the mixture simmer gently for a few minutes over medium-low heat, allowing flavors to blend perfectly and the sauce to coat every bite.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the saucy pasta and chicken mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan over the top evenly to create that luscious cheesy layer everyone dreams of.
Step 5: Add the Crispy Topping and Bake
In a small bowl, mix together the panko bread crumbs, melted butter, and garlic powder. Spread this crumb mixture evenly over the casserole’s surface. Bake uncovered on the center rack for about 15 minutes or until the topping turns a beautiful golden brown, adding that perfect crunch to balance the creamy filling.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Parmesan Casserole With Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
For a fresh pop of color and flavor, sprinkle some chopped fresh basil or parsley on top just before serving. A few red pepper flakes also work beautifully if you like a gentle kick. These simple touches lift the dish and make it look as amazing as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines alongside crisp green salads with lemon vinaigrette, roasted seasonal vegetables, or warm garlic breadsticks. These sides add brightness and texture contrast to your meal, rounding out every plate with variety and nutrition.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress at dinner parties or family gatherings, try serving this casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets. It adds charm and helps with portion control. You can also layer colorful vegetables like spinach or bell peppers inside the casserole for extra nutrients and visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Easy Chicken Parmesan Casserole With Pasta Recipe leftovers will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. This makes it ideal for meal prepping or simply enjoying the next day without additional effort.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the casserole before baking by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It will stay good for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake until hot and bubbly for delicious convenience.
Reheating
To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave or warm the entire dish in an oven preheated to 350° F for about 15 minutes. Reheating slowly preserves the texture of the pasta and keeps the topping crispy and fresh.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of chicken?
Absolutely! While rotisserie chicken is ideal for ease and flavor, you can use cooked chicken breasts or thighs instead. Just shred or dice them before mixing into the casserole.
Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?
Yes! Simply substitute the regular pasta with a gluten-free variety and use gluten-free panko bread crumbs. This way, everyone can enjoy the cheesy, saucy goodness.
Can I make this casserole vegan or vegetarian?
You can! Swap out the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or roasted veggies and use dairy-free cheese alternatives along with a suitable marinara sauce for a delicious plant-based version.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add red pepper flakes into the sauce or sprinkle some on top before baking. You can also mix in a dash of hot sauce to the marinara for an extra kick.
What type of marinara sauce works best?
Choose a high-quality jarred sauce you love, or homemade marinara if you prefer. A sauce with balanced acidity and herbs complements the chicken and cheese perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chicken Parmesan Casserole With Pasta Recipe is truly a gem for anyone who wants a satisfying, family-friendly meal that doesn’t involve hours in the kitchen. It’s comforting, cheesy, and filled with flavors everyone enjoys. Give it a try soon—you’ll be amazed at how a handful of simple ingredients turn into such an unforgettable dinner. Happy cooking!
PrintEasy Chicken Parmesan Casserole With Pasta Recipe
This Easy Chicken Parmesan Casserole with Pasta is a delicious and hassle-free family dinner recipe that combines tender rotisserie chicken, pasta, and marinara sauce, topped with a cheesy breadcrumb crust. It’s a comforting Italian-inspired baked dish perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want a quick, satisfying meal that both kids and adults will love.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 small rotisserie chicken, pulled into small pieces
- 1/2 lb pasta (about 3 cups dry)
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Topping
- 3/4 cup panko bread crumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Seasoning
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning, plus 1-2 tsp for sauce mixture
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a medium-sized baking dish, preferably a 7×9-inch dish, to prevent sticking.
- Cook the pasta: In a large pot, cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly to remove excess water.
- Combine pasta and sauce mixture: Return the drained pasta to the pot and stir in the marinara sauce, shredded rotisserie chicken, half of the mozzarella cheese, half of the Parmesan cheese, and 1 to 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning. Allow this mixture to simmer gently over medium-low heat for a few minutes to meld flavors.
- Assemble the casserole: Spread the pasta and chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.
- Prepare the breadcrumb topping: In a small bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs, melted butter, and garlic powder. Mix well until the crumbs are evenly coated and then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cheese layer.
- Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish uncovered on the center rack of the oven. Bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until the panko topping turns golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the casserole hot. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or warm breadsticks for a complete meal. Enjoy your comforting and flavorful chicken parmesan casserole!
Notes
- You can use any type of pasta, but medium shapes like penne or rotini hold the sauce well.
- Using a rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor.
- For a crispier topping, broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute gluten-free pasta and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
