If your idea of comfort food is a bubbly, cheesy pasta dish that fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas and brings a crowd to the table, then this Chicken Parmesan Casserole Baked with Penne Pasta Recipe is one to bookmark! Imagine everything you love about classic chicken parmesan—juicy chicken, a rich marinara sauce, golden melted cheese—all baked together with perfectly cooked penne. The result is a crave-worthy casserole that’s equal parts familiar and new, loaded with flavor, and guaranteed to satisfy even the hungriest eaters. This is the ultimate weeknight dinner for anyone who appreciates a hearty Italian-American classic, and it comes together with zero fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken Parmesan Casserole Baked with Penne Pasta Recipe proves that you don’t need a long shopping list to create magic. Each ingredient is chosen for maximum flavor and that signature melty, crunchy texture, so don’t skip any! Here’s how each item brings something special to your casserole:
- Penne Pasta (12 ounces, cooked al dente): Firm pasta holds up beautifully in the bake, capturing the sauce without turning mushy.
- Cooked Chicken Breast (3 cups, shredded or cubed): Hearty and protein-packed; using rotisserie chicken makes prep a breeze!
- Marinara Sauce (2 cups): A savory, tomato-forward sauce infuses every bite with classic Italian flavor.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup): Adds the signature sharp, salty cheesiness that makes chicken parm irresistible.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (2 cups): Delivers that gooey, stretchy cheese pull everyone craves.
- Seasoned Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): Create the golden, crispy topping—don’t skip for ultimate texture!
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Moisten the breadcrumbs and add a subtle richness across the top.
- Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): A mix of herbs for classic warmth and depth.
- Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a gentle, aromatic boost to the filling.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Balances and enhances all the flavors—always taste as you go!
- Chopped Fresh Basil (optional, for garnish): Brightens the whole dish with a splash of color and hint of freshness.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Casserole Baked with Penne Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F so it’s perfectly hot when you’re ready to bake. While that’s heating, cook your penne pasta according to package directions, stopping just short of fully soft to maintain that ideal al dente bite—you want pasta with some structure since it’ll keep cooking in the oven. Drain well, and set aside.
Step 2: Mix the Main Ingredients
In your biggest mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne, shredded chicken, marinara sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and half of both the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Give everything a generous season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until you have a thoroughly mixed, mouthwatering medley where every piece of pasta and chicken is happily coated in sauce and cheese.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this helps prevent sticking and makes serving later a breeze. Scoop your pasta mixture evenly into the dish, smoothing out the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the surface for a gooey, savory blanket.
Step 4: Prepare the Crunchy Topping
In a small bowl, toss the seasoned breadcrumbs with the olive oil until every crumb is evenly moistened. This simple step creates a crispy, golden crust on your Chicken Parmesan Casserole Baked with Penne Pasta Recipe. Scatter the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the cheese.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the casserole into your preheated oven, uncovered, and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbling, golden top and melty, irresistible cheese all the way through. Let it rest for about 5 minutes once out of the oven—this makes slicing and serving much tidier (and protects impatient hands from molten cheese!).
Step 6: Finish and Garnish
If you’re feeling festive, sprinkle freshly chopped basil over the top for a flash of color and herby aroma just before serving. That’s it—dinner is served!
How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Casserole Baked with Penne Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
For maximum visual and flavor impact, finish your casserole with a flurry of chopped fresh basil or even a handful of flat-leaf parsley. A dusting of extra Parmesan right before serving never hurt either! These simple touches make your Chicken Parmesan Casserole Baked with Penne Pasta Recipe feel extra special.
Side Dishes
This casserole is wonderfully hearty all on its own, but a crisp Caesar salad or simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette perfectly balances all that cheesy richness. Warm, crusty garlic bread is never a bad idea—just right for mopping up any leftover sauce. For a lighter touch, try steamed or roasted broccoli, asparagus, or green beans.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish straight from the baking dish family-style to keep things cozy, or portion it into ramekins for individual servings at a dinner party. For a fun spin, scoop the casserole into hollowed-out bread bowls for a playful, portable twist. Even leftovers can be turned into lunch-friendly wraps with a handful of arugula.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Chicken Parmesan Casserole Baked with Penne Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors continue to meld, making each reheated serving just as delicious as the first. If storing in the original pan, cover it tightly with foil or a fitted lid.
Freezing
This casserole freezes wonderfully! Simply cool completely, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to three months. For easy weekday dinners, you can portion individual servings into containers and freeze those, too. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the casserole (covered with foil) into a 350°F oven until warmed through—this helps the cheese stay gooey, not rubbery. For a single serving, a minute or two in the microwave works in a pinch, though the oven method keeps the topping crispier. If reheating from frozen, add extra time and keep covered until bubbling hot.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for the Chicken Parmesan Casserole Baked with Penne Pasta Recipe. It makes for an incredibly easy prep and delivers savory, tender bites throughout your bake.
Can I substitute a different type Main Course
Definitely. While penne holds up beautifully, any short-cut pasta such as ziti, rigatoni, or rotini will work well. Just be sure to cook your pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming too soft in the oven.
How can I add more vegetables to this casserole?
Feel free to stir in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini with the pasta and chicken mixture. It’s a simple way to boost nutrition and color in your Chicken Parmesan Casserole Baked with Penne Pasta Recipe.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
With a few easy swaps—using your favorite gluten-free penne and gluten-free breadcrumbs—this dish becomes a gluten-free delight. Always double-check that your marinara and seasonings are gluten-free, too.
Can I assemble Chicken Parmesan Casserole Baked with Penne Pasta Recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the entire casserole up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate until baking. Add a few extra minutes to the bake time if starting cold from the fridge, and you’re good to go.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Parmesan Casserole Baked with Penne Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes everyone should have up their sleeve—it’s cozy, crowd-pleasing, and so easy to make. Give it a try and watch it become a new favorite at your dinner table!
Print
Chicken Parmesan Casserole Baked with Penne Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Chicken Parmesan Casserole Baked with Penne Pasta Recipe is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a family dinner. With layers of pasta, chicken, marinara sauce, and cheesy goodness, this easy-to-make casserole is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
Penne Pasta:
- 12 ounces penne pasta, cooked al dente
Chicken:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
Sauce:
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Cheese:
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Breadcrumbs:
- 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish:
- Chopped fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Cook pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to package directions, drain, and set aside.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the pasta, chicken, marinara sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and half of the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Season with salt and pepper, then transfer to a greased baking dish.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle the remaining cheeses on top. Mix breadcrumbs with olive oil and sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with basil if desired.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken works great for this recipe.
- You can use any short pasta if penne is unavailable.
- Add red pepper flakes for heat or sautéed spinach for extra veggies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
