Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

Name: Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 2 cups rotini pasta; 1 (12 ounce) can chicken chunks, drained; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 cups marinara sauce; 0.5 cup seasoned bread crumbs

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Chicken Rotini Casserole

This delicious and comforting casserole is the perfect family meal, combining tender pasta, savory chicken, and gooey melted cheese. With a crispy breadcrumb topping and a rich marinara sauce, it's an easy dish to prepare and bake.

Ingredients (6 Servings)

2 cups rotini pasta
12 ounces cooked chicken, cubed
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cups marinara sauce
cup seasoned bread crumbs

Directions

Gather all the ingredients and preheat the oven to 350F (175C).
Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, add the rotini pasta and cook until tender but firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain the pasta once cooked.
In a large casserole dish, combine the cooked rotini, cubed chicken, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir to mix them together evenly.
Pour the marinara sauce over the pasta mixture, making sure it is evenly distributed. Then, sprinkle the seasoned bread crumbs over the top.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Once cooked, remove from the oven and serve hot. Enjoy your homemade chicken rotini casserole!

Cook's Note

You can use leftover rotisserie chicken, cooked chicken tenders, or even canned chicken chunks (make sure to drain the can well).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 359
Fat: 11g (14% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 4g (19% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 47mg (16% Daily Value)
Sodium: 891mg (39% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate: 39g (14% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 3g (10% Daily Value)
Total Sugars: 6g
Protein: 24g (48% Daily Value)
Vitamin C: 7mg (8% Daily Value)
Calcium: 196mg (15% Daily Value)
Iron: 3mg (18% Daily Value)
Potassium: 318mg (7% Daily Value)

Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that takes inspiration from the beloved Chicken Parmesan, a staple of Italian-American cuisine. With a combination of pasta, tender chicken, marinara sauce, and melty mozzarella, its a delicious and easy-to-make casserole that brings the flavors of this Italian classic into a simple, one-dish meal.

Origin and History

Chicken Parmesan, or "Pollo alla Parmigiana," has its roots in Italy but is better known in the United States, where it has become a symbol of Italian-American comfort food. Though the dishs name refers to Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, the recipe as we know it today evolved when Italian immigrants in the U.S. began breading and frying chicken cutlets and topping them with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. The casserole version takes this classic and turns it into a layered, baked meal that's easy to prepare for large groups or family dinners.

Regional Variations

In Italy, "Parmigiana" usually refers to eggplant, which is sliced, fried, and layered with cheese and tomato sauce. The chicken version, as a popular twist in the United States, typically replaces eggplant with chicken breasts. In some parts of the U.S., this dish is served with pasta like spaghetti or ziti, while others prefer it with no pasta at all, opting for a side of vegetables or mashed potatoes instead. The casserole version of Chicken Parmesan is a more recent development, offering a convenient way to prepare and serve the dish to a crowd.

Differences from Similar Dishes

Unlike the classic Chicken Parmesan, which features breaded and fried chicken cutlets, Chicken Parmesan Casserole offers a more simplified approach. The chicken is often cooked or pre-cooked, and instead of frying the cutlets, they are combined with pasta and marinara sauce in a baking dish. The casserole is then topped with mozzarella and breadcrumbs for a crispy, cheesy finish. This variation saves time, avoids the mess of frying, and results in a moist, flavorful dish.

Where It's Typically Served

Chicken Parmesan Casserole is often served in casual dining settings, family-style meals, or potluck gatherings. It's a go-to dish for easy weeknight dinners or when feeding a large group. Many Italian-American restaurants offer this casserole as a convenient, more filling alternative to the traditional Chicken Parmesan. It is also popular in homes as a make-ahead meal or when looking for a quick and satisfying dinner that doesn't require too much preparation or cleanup.

Interesting Facts

While Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a modern twist on a classic, it reflects the flexibility of Italian-American cooking. Many people add variations to suit their tastessome include vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, while others swap the pasta for rice or quinoa for a low-carb option. Another fun fact: many chefs and home cooks argue over whether Chicken Parmesan should feature Parmesan cheese at all, with some versions only using mozzarella! Despite the variations, one thing is certainthis casserole is always a crowd-pleaser and a comforting dish that's perfect for any occasion.

FAQ about Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

Leftover Chicken Parmesan Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Yes, you can freeze Chicken Parmesan Casserole. Allow it to cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes.

Yes, you can substitute the rotini pasta with other types of pasta like penne, fusilli, or ziti. Just make sure to cook the pasta until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the casserole.

Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time. Assemble the casserole as instructed, cover it with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before placing it in the oven, or bake it directly from the refrigerator, adding 5-10 more minutes to the cooking time.

Yes, you can substitute the chicken with cooked turkey, beef, or a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh. If using leftover rotisserie chicken or canned chicken, make sure to drain it well before adding to the casserole.

You can add garlic, Italian seasoning, or a bit of red pepper flakes to enhance the flavor. Some people also add sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the casserole for extra taste and nutrition.

To make this casserole vegetarian, simply replace the chicken with a plant-based protein such as tofu, tempeh, or a meat alternative like vegan chicken strips. You can also add extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms to make the dish more hearty.

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. You could also serve it with a side of steamed broccoli or a Caesar salad for a complete meal.

Yes, to make this casserole gluten-free, you can use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free breadcrumbs. Be sure to double-check that the marinara sauce and any other ingredients are also gluten-free.

The Chicken Parmesan Casserole takes about 35 minutes to bake at 350°F (175°C) until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you're reheating leftovers, it may take 15-20 minutes.

Comments

RedFox

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

This was good! I used 16 oz of meat from a chicken breast that I cooked beforehand. Also, I added 2 tps of Italian spices, 2.5 cups of sauce, and 1 cup bread crumbs on top.

jimclark72

03/12/2022 02:45:17 AM

It works as a basic guide. Some slight changes: I deep fried breaded chicken breast filets, well seasoned, chopped into chunks, and layered this with the pasta, sauce, and cheese as though it were a lasagna. OH... and since it says 'parmesan' in the original title of the recipe, I figured I might use that as well. I mean, it just seems logical.

PlushVeal1004

08/19/2025 03:53:27 AM

This was an easy and delicious recipe! I doubled the recipe so it would fit good in a 9 x 13 glass dish. Added salt, pepper, and garlic powder to the chicken, rotini, and cheese mixture. Also added spinach and mushrooms. The last 10 mins I took the foil off and added some grated parm on top! Served with a salad and 5 cheese garlic bread! Everyone loved it!!

Barbara Hultman

12/27/2018 02:42:34 AM

I doubled the recipe. Cooked a package of boneless chicken thighs in my instant pot while boiling the pasta, then shredded it and mixed in the cheese, sauce, and noodles. I added Italian seasoning and garlic salt and baked. I liked the flavor, but would increase the amount of spaghetti sauce - 1 1/2 times or 2 times the amount called for. But will definitely make it again!

Ashley Floyd Richard

09/24/2020 09:57:31 PM

I veganized this recipe with tofurkey chicken chunks and violife mozz cheese and it was delicious! The only other changes I made were to sauté some onion and garlic with the chicken and I used macaroni noodles because that’s what I had. I will definitely be making this again.

RobinM

03/26/2019 10:58:19 PM

Simple and tasty! Like several other reviewers, I increased the marinara sauce to 2-1/2 cups and added 1 tsp of Italian seasoning. For the topping, I used 1/4 cup of Panko Italian style bread crumbs mixed with 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese. I will definitely make this again.

KJONES

06/27/2023 12:27:01 AM

This is a quick and inexpensive recipe. I was looking for a way to use some of the existing items in my pantry. I did substitute the marinara sauce for spaghetti sauce and added some Italian seasoning and parsley. Turned out really well. I will definitely be using this recipe in the future.

Christopher Phillips

06/14/2019 05:02:37 AM

Instead of the canned chicken I cubed and cooked 4 chicken breasts with some oil, salt, pepper, garlic power, half an onion and some Italian seasoning right at the end. Also eyeballed the cheese and bread crumbs. Great recipe and my kids loved it

newdayjenn

06/07/2010 12:05:55 PM

I loved this dish because it is kid friendly. I didn't give it a 5 only because it needed more seasoning. Layering flavors in casseroles is the key in my opinion. I added garlic to the pasta water, used skinless chicken breast cooked over stove with a bit of water (so it didn't fry/grill), and seasoned with salt, pepper, onion powder, (smidge of garlic powder) & italian seasoning. I also layered cheese inside the layers as well as on top. I used the seasoned bread crumbs but next time I use my preferred panko bread crumbs. Great dish!

Sherry

03/24/2020 08:45:22 PM

I used grilled ready chicken breast in place of canned chicken. Used Best Marinara Sauce made from this site. Very good casserole.

Dan the man

10/14/2024 11:54:13 PM

Quick and easy to make. I used marinara sauce from Costco, and added broccoli and spinach so I did have to make a side. Overall a great recipe

Nikki King

08/20/2025 03:19:35 PM

I added grated parmesan on top, along with the bread crumbs.

Jo

08/17/2025 12:24:01 AM

So easy, so good. Will make again and again

PAPPY

08/15/2025 09:02:37 PM

How can you call it Chicken Parmesan Casserole when there's no Parmesan? So I added some. I buy boneless chicken breast when it's on sale and can it cubed in pint jars to use in recipes like this. Made things super easy and it was quite satisfying. Thanks!

Sand Burr

08/15/2025 08:46:32 PM

I'd prefer to see your marinara recipe along with this since I'm sure you didn't use generic stuff from a jar. Any other herbs or spices? The concept looks like it has a lot of potential

Jan

08/15/2025 08:24:07 PM

Either more bread crumbs on top or a combo cheese and croutons would add depth

Sharon

08/12/2025 01:29:42 AM

Is it just me, or is this Chicken Parmesan recipe missing the Parmesan?? You should call it Chicken Mozzarella!

Sloth

08/11/2025 11:37:39 PM

I loved it, is definitely a keeper, I changed the mozzarella to Colby Jack shredded cheese. And I used crushed cheese its, for the bread crumb.

Sonia

07/23/2025 03:20:46 PM

I love how quick and easy this was to make, very flavorful too!

William Gomez

01/31/2025 06:00:49 PM

Quick and delicious — exactly what I needed.

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