This Chicken Parmesan Pasta Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, packed with juicy chicken, tender pasta, marinara sauce, and topped with two types of cheese. The crispy buttery breadcrumb topping takes this dish to the next level. It’s a hearty, family-friendly recipe that’s great for meal prepping and guaranteed to satisfy everyone at the table.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 pound fusilli pasta (or substitute with rotini, bowtie, penne, ziti, small shells, etc.)
• 25 ounces marinara sauce
• 3 to 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1.25 to 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (or to taste)
• 3 to 4 cloves garlic, finely minced or pressed
• 2 heaping cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil (optional for garnishing)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray a 3 ½ quart casserole dish (about 9×13 inches) with cooking spray. Cook pasta according to the package directions, drain, return to the pot, and toss with marinara sauce. Set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook for about 5 minutes until done. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking.
3. Add garlic to the skillet with the chicken and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Combine the cooked chicken and garlic with the pasta and marinara sauce. Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
5. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese begins to turn golden brown.
6. While the casserole is baking, melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl for about 1 minute. Stir in panko breadcrumbs and set aside.
7. After 10 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, and top with the buttered panko breadcrumbs.
8. Return the casserole to the oven for another 5 to 8 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs and cheese are golden brown. Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve immediately.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

• Calories: 428 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 19g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 89mg
• Sodium: 681mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g

Why Chicken Parmesan Pasta Casserole is a Family Favorite

This dish is the epitome of family-friendly comfort food. It’s incredibly easy to make, with simple ingredients that are likely already in your pantry or fridge. The recipe is highly customizable—if you prefer a different type of pasta or want to add extra vegetables, feel free to make adjustments. It’s also a great way to use up leftover chicken, making it a fantastic weeknight meal.

The casserole is easy to prep ahead of time and can be stored in the fridge or freezer for later, making it perfect for busy families or meal prep. The combination of chicken, pasta, marinara sauce, and cheese is always a hit, and the crispy breadcrumb topping gives it a homemade, satisfying feel.

How to Make Chicken Parmesan Pasta Casserole

Making this Chicken Parmesan Pasta Casserole is easy and straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prepare it:

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray a 3 ½ quart casserole dish (about 9×13 inches) with cooking spray to prevent the casserole from sticking. This step ensures the dish cooks evenly and doesn’t stick to the sides.

2. Cook the Pasta

Cook the fusilli pasta (or any small-shaped pasta like rotini, bowtie, penne, or ziti) according to the package directions. Once the pasta is done, drain it and return it to the pot. Toss the cooked pasta with the marinara sauce until it’s evenly coated, and set it aside.

3. Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with kosher salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure the chicken is evenly cooked and no longer pink in the center. Once the chicken is cooked through, add the finely minced or pressed garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step infuses the chicken with garlic flavor and makes it aromatic.

4. Combine Chicken and Pasta

Add the cooked chicken and garlic to the pasta and marinara sauce mixture. Stir to combine the ingredients thoroughly, making sure the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the pasta. Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared casserole dish, and spread it out evenly.

5. Add Cheese and Bake

Top the pasta mixture with 2 heaping cups of shredded mozzarella cheese. Place the casserole in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese begins to turn golden brown and bubbly.

6. Prepare the Crispy Breadcrumb Topping

While the casserole is baking, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl for about 1 minute. Stir in ½ cup of panko breadcrumbs, ensuring the breadcrumbs are evenly coated in butter. Set the mixture aside, as it will be sprinkled on top of the casserole in the final step.

7. Finish Baking

After the casserole has been in the oven for 10 minutes, remove it and sprinkle the top with ⅓ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Then, sprinkle the buttered panko breadcrumbs evenly over the cheese. Return the casserole to the oven for an additional 5 to 8 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese has fully melted.

8. Serve

Once the casserole is golden and bubbly, remove it from the oven. If desired, garnish with fresh basil or green onions for a touch of freshness and added flavor. Serve immediately, and enjoy!

Why This Chicken Parmesan Pasta Casserole is a Crowd-Pleaser

What makes this casserole so universally loved is its rich, cheesy goodness combined with tender pasta and juicy chicken. The marinara sauce ties everything together, offering a familiar, comforting flavor. The combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses creates a creamy, gooey layer that melts beautifully, while the crispy panko topping adds a delightful crunch and texture.

This casserole can be customized to your family’s tastes, whether you prefer a spicier marinara sauce, more vegetables, or even extra cheese. It’s an easy, hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion—from a casual family dinner to a more formal gathering.

Nutritional Information for Chicken Parmesan Pasta Casserole

Each serving of Chicken Parmesan Pasta Casserole contains approximately 428 calories. With 32 grams of protein, it provides a good amount of protein, making it a filling and satisfying meal. The dish contains 29 grams of carbohydrates, which come from the pasta, and 19 grams of fat, including 7 grams of saturated fat. While the fat content is moderate, the meal is balanced with its protein and carbs, providing a satisfying dish that’s ideal for dinner.

The casserole also offers 3 grams of fiber, which helps support digestion, and 5 grams of sugar, which primarily comes from the marinara sauce. With 681 milligrams of sodium, it’s a good idea to adjust the salt level based on your preference. Additionally, the dish provides vitamin A (3 IU), calcium (23 mg), and iron (1 mg), supporting overall health.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Parmesan Pasta Casserole

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Casserole is perfect on its own, but you can pair it with various sides to make a well-rounded meal:

• With a Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy casserole.
• With Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of garlic bread to scoop up any extra sauce or cheese.
• With Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus pair wonderfully with the rich casserole.
• With a Side of Soup: Pair it with a light soup, such as tomato soup, for a comforting, filling meal.

Conclusion

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender pasta, juicy chicken, and gooey melted cheese into a dish that’s both satisfying and delicious. The crispy panko topping elevates the dish, adding texture and crunch to each bite. It’s a hearty, easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or entertaining guests. Whether you’re enjoying it on a busy weeknight or serving it at a gathering, this casserole is sure to please everyone at the table.