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Chicken Parmesan Pasta Casserole

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Casserole

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Casserole is the perfect blend of quick and easy, surprisingly healthy, and bursting with the classic flavors of chicken parmesan – all baked into a comforting casserole. It’s a go-to when needing a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 1 pound pasta penne, rotini, or your favorite shape
Chicken
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste Salt and pepper
Sauce
  • 1 24 ounce jar marinara sauce
  • 1 15 ounce container ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 1 egg lightly beaten
Topping
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs (optional)

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Large Skillet
  • Large Bowl
  • 9x13-inch Baking Dish

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain well.
  3. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  4. Add chicken, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through.
  5. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, basil, and egg. Mix well.
  6. Gently fold in the cooked chicken.
  7. Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
  8. Top with mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs (if using).
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  10. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

To prevent your casserole from being watery, make sure to drain the pasta exceptionally well after cooking. Soggy pasta contributes to a less desirable texture. Similarly, ensure that the ricotta cheese is not overly wet; draining it through a cheesecloth can help. For added flavor, consider adding a small amount of red pepper flakes to the chicken while cooking for a subtle kick. Taste the marinara sauce before adding it; if it's too acidic, a pinch of sugar can balance the flavors. Finally, don't overbake the casserole. You want the cheese to be melted and bubbly, but not browned to the point where it becomes hard or crusty. A timer is your best friend here.