Dinner

Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

ByHailey Reed December 30, 2025December 30, 2025

Introduction

Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that combines tender breaded chicken with cheesy marinara pasta baked to perfection. It’s an easy way to enjoy classic flavors in a hearty, all-in-one meal perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.

This is a close-up of a baked pasta dish in a white rectangular baking dish on a white marbled surface with a blue and white cloth next to it. The dish has several layers: at the bottom, there is cooked rigatoni pasta that is orange from a rich tomato sauce. On top of the pasta are crispy golden-brown breaded chicken strips, evenly spread across. The chicken and pasta are covered by melted white mozzarella cheese that stretches softly over the layers. Small bits of bright red tomato sauce peek through the cheese. The dish is finished with a sprinkle of finely chopped green parsley and grated light yellow cheese, giving a fresh and colorful touch. A silver serving spoon is partially visible, scooping some of the pasta. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

¾ pound rigatoni pasta
32 oz. marinara sauce (or up to 48 oz. for saucier pasta)
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts
¾ cup flour
2 teaspoons seasoned salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
2 eggs
1 ½ cups Italian breadcrumbs
¾ cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons butter
Fresh parsley (to garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Boil water and cook the rigatoni pasta for 1 minute less than al dente, following package instructions. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Toss with 32 oz. marinara sauce, 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup mozzarella cheese. Set aside.
Step 2: Pat chicken dry and cut into ½ inch thick strips. Set up three bowls for breading: Bowl 1 with flour, seasoned salt, and pepper; Bowl 2 with whisked eggs; Bowl 3 with Italian breadcrumbs.
Step 3: Dredge each chicken strip first in the flour mixture, then the eggs, and finally coat completely in breadcrumbs. Gently flatten the coated strips with your palms.
Step 4: Heat vegetable oil and butter in a pan over medium-high heat until hot. Fry chicken strips in batches for about 4 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
Step 5: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish. Layer half of the rigatoni mixture, then half of the chicken pieces, followed by 2 tablespoons Parmesan and 1 cup mozzarella.
Step 6: Repeat the layering with remaining pasta, chicken, Parmesan, and mozzarella. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes. For a crispier top, increase oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) and bake an additional 5 minutes.
Step 7: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm. This casserole pairs wonderfully with garlic bread with cheese.

Tips & Variations

Use up to 48 oz. marinara sauce if you prefer a saucier casserole.
For extra flavor, add Italian seasoning or fresh basil to the breadcrumb mixture.
Swap rigatoni for penne or ziti if preferred.
Leftover casserole tastes great reheated and makes for easy next-day meals.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish covered with foil in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through.

How to Serve

The image shows a baked pasta dish in a white rectangular tray, layered with golden brown crispy breaded chicken pieces on the top. Below the chicken, there are rigatoni pasta tubes coated in rich red tomato sauce. The dish is covered with a layer of melted white cheese, slightly browned in spots, and sprinkled with small green parsley bits, adding freshness. A silver spoon rests in the tray on the right side, partially submerged in the pasta. The tray sits on a white marbled surface with a folded blue and white striped cloth next to it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to fully thaw and pat the chicken dry before breading to achieve a crispy coating.

What can I serve with Chicken Parmesan Casserole?

This casserole pairs well with a simple green salad and garlic bread or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Hailey Reed