Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a hearty, crowd-pleasing bake that layers seasoned chicken cubes with al dente penne in a creamy marinara sauce, topped with bubbling mozzarella and Parmesan for Italian-inspired ease—ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or weeknights with minimal prep and oven magic. This 50-minute recipe (25 minutes active) serves 8 at ~450 calories per serving, using simple pantry staples for juicy chicken and cheesy pull. Skip the breading hassle of traditional parmigiana; this deconstructed version delivers the same flavors in a scoopable form. For more cheesy casserole ideas, explore our Perfect Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe, which pairs perfectly as a veggie side.
What is the Perfect Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe?
The Perfect Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe is a simple oven dish where bite-sized chicken is seasoned and seared, mixed with cooked penne, marinara, cream cheese, and heavy cream for a creamy base, then blanketed with mozzarella and Parmesan before baking to golden, bubbly perfection—perfect for casual Italian nights. This streamlined essential swaps frying for a one-dish bake, retaining the classic tangy sauce and melty cheese without mess. If you’re craving comforting carbs, follow the Perfect Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe to recreate this family favorite at home. It’s a natural companion to herb-infused mains like our Tender Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf Recipe, where similar cheeses shine.
Why You’ll Love Perfect Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
This casserole’s appeal lies in its no-fuss execution and bold flavors, making it a staple for busy cooks seeking Italian comfort without complexity.
Effortless One-Dish Assembly
Prep in 15 minutes: cube chicken, boil pasta, mix sauce, bake. Ideal for weeknights, like the simplicity in our Fresh Herb Pasta Guide.
Rich, Balanced Italian Flavors
Garlic-onion seasoned chicken in creamy marinara with double cheeses creates tangy, melty layers—customize with veggies, akin to herb depth in the Lemon Herb Tahini Recipe.
Minimal Cleanup and Versatility
One skillet and dish; serves 8 reheats well. Add spinach for greens or make gluten-free, similar to lightness in the Baby Lemon Impossible Pies Recipe.
Family-Friendly Nourishment
Protein-carb balance at 450 calories/serving; kid-approved cheesy top. Pairs with salads from our Fresh Herb Pasta Guide.
Showstopper Simplicity
Bubbly cheese crust looks gourmet—garnish parsley for flair, like layers in the Lemon Herb Tahini Recipe.
For gluten-free pasta, see our Oat-Flour Pasta Experiment.
Perfect Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8
Category: Main Dish, Casserole
Method: Oven
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
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Chicken & Pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
Sauce & Topping
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Cook Pasta: Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook 1 lb penne al dente; drain and set aside.
- Prep and Cook Chicken: Cut 1 lb chicken into 1-inch cubes. Season with 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in skillet over medium-high; cook chicken 5–7 minutes until browned and done (165°F).
- Mix Filling: In a bowl, combine pasta, chicken, marinara, 8 oz cream cheese, and 1 cup heavy cream; stir well.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour into 9×13 dish. Top with 2 cups mozzarella and ½ cup Parmesan. Bake 20–25 minutes until bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Let stand 5 minutes.
Nutrition (Per Serving): ~450 calories.
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Detailed Ingredients Breakdown
Chicken & Pasta Ingredients
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (1 lb): Lean protein base; cube for even cooking.
- Penne Pasta (1 lb): Tubular shape holds sauce; GF penne for alternatives like in our Oat-Flour Pasta Experiment.
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp): For searing; adds subtle fruitiness.
- Salt (1 tsp), Black Pepper (½ tsp), Garlic Powder (1 tsp), Onion Powder (1 tsp): Essential seasonings for savory depth without fresh chopping.
Sauce & Topping Ingredients
- Marinara Sauce (24 oz jar): Tangy tomato base; homemade for freshness.
- Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened): Creamy binder; full-fat for richness.
- Heavy Cream (1 cup): Luxurious thickness; half-and-half lightens.
- Shredded Mozzarella (2 cups): Melty pull on top.
- Grated Parmesan (½ cup): Nutty umami finish.
These create a cohesive, cheesy casserole with balanced Italian notes.
How to Make Perfect Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
Focus on even cooking and sauce integration for essential tenderness.
Step 1: Oven and Pasta Prep
Preheat to 375°F. Boil salted water; cook penne al dente (8–10 minutes). Drain to avoid mushiness—essential for texture.
Step 2: Season and Sear Chicken
Cube chicken; toss with salt, pepper, garlic/onion powders. Heat oil in skillet; sear 5–7 minutes until golden (165°F internal). This step builds flavor via Maillard reaction, like in our Tender Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf Recipe.
Step 3: Combine Filling
In a bowl, mix pasta, chicken, marinara, softened cream cheese, and cream. Stir gently—essential to coat without breaking pasta. Cream cheese melts in oven for silkiness.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour into greased 9×13 dish. Sprinkle cheeses evenly for bubbly melt. Bake 20–25 minutes until golden (cheese 140°F). Broil 1–2 minutes for extra crisp if desired.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Stand 5 minutes for setting. Slice or scoop; garnish optional parsley. Pairs with garlic bread.
Inspired by casseroles? Our Make-Ahead Ravioli Freezer Guide offers assembly tips. For a classic external take, try this Chicken Parmesan Casserole recipe from Allrecipes, which layers for cheesy results.
Storage and Shelf Life
Refrigerate covered up to 4 days; reheat at 350°F 15–20 minutes with foil. Freeze portions up to 2 months (baked or unbaked); thaw in fridge. Signs of spoilage: slimy chicken, moldy cheese, or sour sauce—discard. (Pro tip: Like storing in our Perfect Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe, portion for freshness.)
Tips and Variations
Use fresh chicken for best sear; pound if thick for evenness. For creamier sauce, add ricotta. Variations: Stir in spinach or mushrooms; make vegetarian with eggplant. For low-carb, swap pasta for zucchini noodles. Essential: Don’t overbake—bubbly edges signal doneness. Like herb balance in the Lemon Herb Tahini Recipe, adjust spices to taste.
Conclusion
Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a cheesy, one-dish essential for Italian comfort—juicy, saucy, and simple. With key steps, it’s your go-to bake. From picks to storage, success every scoop. Bake ahead, serve and enjoy with loved ones! Pair with our Fresh Herb Pasta Guide for herbs.