CHICKEN PARMESAN CASSEROLE EASY

Craving that classic Chicken Parmesan flavor but short on time and patience? Imagine layers of tender chicken, smothered in a rich tomato sauce, and blanketed with melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese – all bubbly and golden brown straight from your oven. This Chicken Parmesan Casserole is the ultimate comfort food shortcut, promising a satisfying and easy meal the whole family will adore!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

For the Casserole:

• 1 lb pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite short pasta), cooked al dente
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Let’s Talk Ingredients & Substitutions

This Chicken Parmesan Casserole is so adaptable! Let’s break down some common questions and substitutions I often get asked. First, the chicken. I prefer using chicken breasts for their leanness, but chicken thighs would also work well, offering a richer flavor. Just be sure to trim any excess fat. I always like to cut my chicken into uniform pieces, this makes sure that it cooks evenly. For the sauce, while a jarred marinara is super convenient (and what I usually use for this quick Chicken Dishes Easy), feel free to use your favorite homemade tomato sauce if you have the time. Adding a little oregano and red pepper flakes really elevates the flavor. Pasta-wise, penne and rotini hold the sauce beautifully, but any short pasta shape will do. Just remember to cook it al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. If you’re looking for a similar, yet lighter flavor profile, you might also enjoy a Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake. Ricotta cheese adds a lovely creaminess, but you can substitute it with cottage cheese if you prefer. The mozzarella and parmesan are essential for that classic cheesy goodness! I prefer to use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor, but the pre-shredded kind works in a pinch.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Creating Your Chicken Parmesan Casserole Masterpiece

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the cubed chicken to the skillet and season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook the chicken until it is cooked through and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside. Don’t worry about getting a perfect sear here; it will finish cooking in the oven.

Step 2: Assemble the Sauce

1. In a medium bowl, combine the marinara sauce, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well.

Step 3: Layer the Casserole

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cooked chicken, and marinara sauce mixture. Toss to coat everything evenly.
2. Add the ricotta cheese and 1/4 cup of the parmesan cheese to the pasta mixture. Stir gently to combine.
3. Pour the pasta mixture into a lightly greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
4. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
2. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.

Tips and Tricks for the BEST Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Okay, my friend, let’s talk secrets to making this Chicken Parmesan Casserole truly shine!

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: I can’t stress this enough! Al dente pasta is key. Overcooked pasta will turn mushy in the casserole, and nobody wants that.
• Use Quality Cheese: The better the cheese, the better the flavor. Splurge on a good-quality mozzarella and parmesan. It makes a HUGE difference.
• Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Letting the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking allows the cheese to set slightly and makes it easier to serve. Plus, it gives the flavors a chance to meld together even more.
• Make Ahead Option: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through. This is a lifesaver for busy weeknights.
• Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or use a spicy marinara sauce.
• Add Veggies: Sneak in some veggies! Sautéed mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers would be delicious additions to this casserole.
• Breadcrumb Topping: For extra crunch, sprinkle a mixture of breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and melted butter over the top of the casserole before baking.
• Dump Casserole Variation: For a true Dump Casseroles option, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, canned diced tomatoes (drained), and no-boil lasagna noodles, broken into pieces. Simply layer all the ingredients in the baking dish and bake until bubbly. This cuts down on prep time significantly!

Serving Suggestions: Complete Your Meal!

This Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few ideas to round out your dinner:

• Garlic Bread: A classic pairing! Serve with warm, crusty garlic bread for dipping into that delicious sauce.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette will provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or green beans are healthy and flavorful side dishes.
• Wine Pairing: A light-bodied red wine, such as Chianti or Pinot Noir, would complement the flavors of the casserole beautifully.
• Try a variation: For another great variation of this, try a Chicken Spaghetti Casserole for a cheesy family favorite.

Variations: Tweak it to Your Taste!

Want to get creative with your Chicken Parmesan Casserole? Here are a few variations to try:

• Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Inspired: Add diced ham and Swiss cheese to the casserole for a Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole twist.
• Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken with eggplant or zucchini. Slice the vegetables into rounds and sauté them before adding them to the casserole.
• Creamy Version: Stir in a dollop of cream cheese or sour cream to the sauce for a richer, creamier casserole.
• Low-Carb Version: Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta for a low-carb option.

Storing and Reheating: Making the Most of Your Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Chicken Parmesan Casserole reheats beautifully.

• Storing: Store the leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until heated through. You can also reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Cover with foil to prevent the cheese from browning too much.
• Freezing: While the casserole can be frozen, the texture of the pasta and cheese may change slightly. If freezing, wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Chicken Parmesan Casserole: The Perfect Easy Family Casserole

This Chicken Parmesan Casserole recipe truly is a winner! It hits all the marks: it’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting dish to share with friends and family, this casserole is sure to be a hit. Plus, it falls squarely into the category of Best Casseroles, and it’s so easy to make, even on a busy weeknight. If you’re in the mood for other Italian-inspired comfort food, you should also try the Creamy Lasagna Soup, or the Baked Chicken Parmesan. And if you want an even easier version of this, check out the Crock-pot Chicken Parm! So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and satisfying Chicken Parmesan Casserole that will become a new family favorite!