Comforting Chicken Parmesan Bake

Forget the fuss and dive into the ultimate comfort food experience with this incredible Chicken Parmesan Casserole. This recipe offers an unbelievably easy and utterly delicious spin on a beloved classic, guaranteed to become a family favorite!

Contents

Toggle

Effortless Weeknight Comfort: Chicken Parmesan Casserole

As the cooler temperatures begin to settle in, our cravings naturally drift towards warm, hearty, and utterly comforting meals. There’s nothing quite like a bubbling casserole fresh from the oven to gather the family around the dinner table. This Chicken Parmesan Casserole perfectly embodies that cozy spirit, delivering all the beloved flavors of traditional Chicken Parmesan without any of the usual fuss. Imagine tender, al dente pasta mingled with rich marinara sauce, juicy chunks of chicken, all crowned with a golden-brown, cheesy Parmesan topping. It’s an irresistible symphony of textures and tastes that promises warmth and satisfaction in every bite.

Chicken Parmesan is a timeless Italian-American dish, celebrated for its crispy breaded chicken, savory tomato sauce, and melted cheese. While undeniably delicious, the classic preparation can be quite time-consuming, involving multiple steps like breading chicken and boiling pasta separately. This casserole rendition revolutionizes the experience, making it so incredibly simple and quick that you’ll be tempted to add it to your weekly meal rotation. It’s an ideal solution for busy weeknights when you desire a home-cooked meal that doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen.

Simplify Dinner: No-Boil Pasta & No-Breading Chicken

When we say this recipe is easy, we truly mean it’s designed for maximum convenience without compromising on flavor. The two biggest time-savers are the elimination of boiling pasta and breading chicken. Traditional pasta dishes often start with a large pot of boiling water, adding extra steps and cleanup. With this casserole, you simply combine uncooked pasta directly into the baking dish with the sauce and broth. The pasta absorbs the flavorful liquid as it bakes, cooking to a perfect al dente texture right in the oven. This not only cuts down significantly on cooking time by removing the waiting game for water to boil, but it also infuses the pasta with even more robust flavor, making every noodle a delicious part of the overall experience. The result is consistently perfect pasta – never too soft, never too firm, just right.

Another game-changing simplification is skipping the tedious process of breading chicken. While crispy breaded chicken is a hallmark of classic Chicken Parmesan, this casserole achieves a similar craveable texture and cheesy crust in a much easier way. Instead of individually breading chicken cutlets, you’ll incorporate bite-sized pieces of boneless, skinless chicken breast directly into the pasta mixture. The magic happens when the casserole is topped with a savory Parmesan streusel – a delightful blend of panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese. This streusel bakes up to a golden, irresistibly crispy coating that mimics the beloved crunch of traditional breading, infused with rich, savory cheese flavor. It’s a brilliant shortcut that delivers all the satisfaction with half the effort and mess.

This streamlined approach means less time prepping and more time enjoying. Pair this hearty casserole with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette or some warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up every last drop of sauce, and voilà! Dinner is served. You’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again because it’s not just delicious, it’s genuinely stress-free and wonderfully easy to prepare.

Essential Ingredients for Your Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Crafting this simple yet spectacular Chicken Parmesan Casserole requires a few key ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating its irresistible flavor and texture. Below is a comprehensive list, designed to help you prepare for a seamless cooking experience. (For precise measurements and detailed instructions, please refer to the recipe card below.)

Main Casserole Ingredients:

• Penne Pasta: Opt for a good quality penne pasta. Its tubular shape and ridges are perfect for catching and holding the rich marinara sauce, ensuring every bite is flavorful. While penne is recommended for its texture and how it bakes, other sturdy short pasta shapes like ziti or rigatoni can also work in a pinch.
• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Cut into small, uniform pieces, these chicken breasts will cook perfectly alongside the pasta, absorbing the flavors of the sauce and broth. Using boneless, skinless chicken ensures tenderness and easy eating without the need for additional prep like deboning or skin removal.
• Italian Seasoning: A classic blend of herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary, Italian seasoning infuses the chicken and pasta with an authentic Mediterranean aroma and taste, acting as the primary flavor builder for the casserole base.
• Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: These fundamental seasonings enhance and balance all the flavors in the dish. Adjust to your preference to ensure the casserole is perfectly seasoned.
• Marinara Sauce: A high-quality jarred marinara sauce is your secret weapon for speed and flavor. Choose your favorite brand; a good marinara provides the robust tomato base that is quintessential to Chicken Parmesan. For an even richer flavor, you could opt for a homemade marinara if time allows.
• Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Crucial for the no-boil method, chicken broth provides the liquid needed to cook the pasta while also adding depth of flavor. Using low-sodium allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: This is what gives Chicken Parmesan its signature gooey, stretchy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Freshly shredded mozzarella often melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties, but either will work beautifully.

Parmesan Streusel Ingredients:

The streusel topping is what truly elevates this casserole, providing that desirable crispy, cheesy crust without breading the chicken.

• Unsalted Butter, Melted: Butter is essential for binding the streusel ingredients together and helping the panko turn golden and crisp in the oven.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko is key for achieving an extra-crispy texture. Unlike traditional breadcrumbs, panko is coarser and absorbs less oil, resulting in a lighter, crunchier topping that beautifully mimics the crispness of breaded chicken.
• Shredded Parmesan Cheese: This adds a sharp, salty, and nutty flavor to the streusel, creating a rich, savory crust that complements the mozzarella and marinara perfectly.
• Fresh Basil, Thinly Chopped: A final flourish of fresh basil brightens the entire dish with its aromatic, slightly peppery notes, adding a gourmet touch just before serving.

Supplies You’ll Need:

• 9×13-inch Baking Pan or Dish: A standard size for most casseroles, ensuring even baking and generous portions.
• Nonstick Cooking Spray: For lightly greasing your baking dish, preventing sticking and making cleanup a breeze.
• Large Mixing Bowl: To easily combine your pasta, chicken, and sauce ingredients.
• Medium Mixing Bowl: Ideal for preparing the Parmesan streusel topping.

How to Prepare Your Easy Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Follow these straightforward steps to create a hearty and flavorful Chicken Parmesan Casserole that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum taste.

1. Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While the oven heats, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and make serving and cleanup much easier. Set the prepared dish aside.
2. Combine Main Ingredients: In a spacious large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked penne pasta, the cut chicken pieces, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper. Pour in the entire jar of marinara sauce and the low-sodium chicken broth. Stir all these ingredients together thoroughly until everything is well combined and the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in the sauce.
3. Initial Bake: Carefully pour the pasta and chicken mixture evenly into your prepared baking pan. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil. This helps to trap steam, allowing the pasta to cook perfectly. Bake for 45 minutes in the preheated oven.
4. Prepare the Parmesan Streusel: While the casserole is baking, it’s the perfect time to prepare the delicious Parmesan streusel topping. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, panko breadcrumbs, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Once these are well combined, stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese. This mixture will create a golden, crispy, and cheesy crust for your casserole.
5. Add Cheeses and Streusel: After the initial 45 minutes of baking, carefully remove the casserole from the oven and remove the foil. Gently stir the pasta mixture around to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole, followed by an even layer of the prepared Parmesan streusel mixture.
6. Final Bake to Golden Perfection: Return the uncovered casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes. During this time, the mozzarella will melt into a gooey, tempting layer, and the Parmesan streusel will turn beautifully golden brown and crisp, creating that irresistible crust.
7. Garnish and Serve: Once removed from the oven, let the casserole rest for a few minutes. Just before serving, generously sprinkle the thinly chopped fresh basil over the top. The vibrant green basil not only adds a burst of fresh flavor but also a beautiful pop of color. Serve hot and enjoy!

Storage and Reheating Tips

This Chicken Parmesan Casserole makes fantastic leftovers, ensuring you can enjoy its deliciousness for days to come. To store, allow the casserole to cool completely to room temperature. Once cooled, cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or transfer any remaining portions to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days. For best results when reheating, place individual servings in the microwave, heating until warmed through. Alternatively, for a crispier topping, reheat larger portions in an oven-safe dish covered with foil at 350°F (175°C) until hot, then uncover for the last few minutes to re-crisp the streusel. This casserole does not typically freeze well due to the pasta texture, but it’s so delicious, you likely won’t have any left to freeze!

I genuinely hope this Chicken Parmesan Casserole brings joy and deliciousness to your family dinner table. Its simplicity and incredible flavor make it a recipe you’ll want to revisit time and again. If you decide to make this delightful dish, I would absolutely love to see your creations! Please snap a picture and share it with me on Instagram @thebakermama so I can admire your culinary talents. For even more inspiration, recipes, and a wonderful community, be sure to join my Friends of The BakerMama group on Facebook. It’s a fantastic space to connect, share your cooking adventures, and discover new favorites. I am always so inspired and delighted to see how creative and enthusiastic you all get with the ideas I share. Enjoy every comforting bite!

xoxo,

Print Recipe

Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

Rated 5 stars from 4 reviews

• Author: Maegan – The BakerMama
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hour 5 mins
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 mins
• Yield: 8-10 servings
• Category: Meals

Print Recipe

---

Description

No boiling pasta or breading chicken to make this Chicken Parmesan Casserole. An incredibly easy and fun spin on a classic the whole family will love!

---

Ingredients

• 1 (16 ounce) package penne pasta
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 to 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella

Parmesan Streusel:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 cup thinly chopped fresh basil

---

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or dish with cooking spray and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, stir together the pasta, chicken pieces, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, marinara and chicken broth. Pour evenly into prepared pan. Cover pan tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
3. While the pasta is baking, prepare the Parmesan streusel. In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, panko and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Stir in the parmesan.
4. Once pasta has baked for 45 minutes, remove the foil from the pan and gently stir pasta mixture around. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and then the Parmesan streusel. Return to the oven and bake for 15 minutes until cheese is melted and streusel is crisp.
5. Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil just before serving.

---