Name: Chicken Parmesan Casserole Baked with Penne Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 12 ounces penne pasta; 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed); 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons melted butter; Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you love comfort food with an Italian-American twist, the Chicken Parmesan Casserole Baked with Penne Pasta Recipe has your name written all over it. This cozy, bubbly casserole marries the classic flavors of chicken parmesan with the heartiness of baked penne, all gooey with melted cheese, savory marinara sauce, a crisp breadcrumb topping, and a dash of fresh herbs. It’s easy enough for a weeknight yet worthy of sharing with friends or family at any gathering—certain to win hearts and satisfy bellies!

Chicken Parmesan Casserole Baked with Penne Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This casserole leans on just a handful of ingredients, each playing a starring role in the finished dish. Every component, from tender pasta to that cheesy, golden topping, brings flavor and comfort to the table—don’t skip a thing!

Penne Pasta: This tube-shaped pasta holds sauce beautifully, making every bite saucy and satisfying.
Cooked Chicken: Shredded or cubed, leftover or rotisserie, this makes the casserole hearty and filling.
Marinara Sauce: The tomatoey base infuses every layer with classic Italian flavor; use your favorite jarred or homemade version.
Garlic Powder: A simple way to deepen the savory notes without the fuss of chopping cloves.
Italian Seasoning: This mix of dried herbs ties all the classic flavors together seamlessly.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into stretchy, gooey goodness for irresistible cheesiness.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, sharp bite and helps that golden top crisp up after baking.
Seasoned Breadcrumbs: Give the dish its signature crunch with a hint of extra flavor.
Melted Butter: Coats the breadcrumbs so they toast up into the perfect golden crust.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for making all those flavors pop.
Fresh Basil or Parsley: A fresh, vibrant finishing touch that makes every serving feel special.

How to Make Chicken Parmesan Casserole Baked with Penne Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this ensures nothing sticks and cleanup stays stress-free. Setting this up first makes your casserole assembly a breeze!

Step 2: Boil the Penne Pasta

Set a large pot of salted water on the stove and bring it to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook it until just al dente—tender but with a slight bite. Give it a good drain and set it aside for now; it’s ready to soak up all those delish flavors.

Step 3: Mix It All Together

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cooked chicken, marinara sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir in one cup of the shredded mozzarella and a quarter cup of Parmesan. This blend is what turns the Chicken Parmesan Casserole Baked with Penne Pasta Recipe into pure comfort!

Step 4: Layer and Top

Transfer the pasta mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan over the top for maximum cheesy coverage. In a small bowl, melt the butter and toss it with your seasoned breadcrumbs, then sprinkle this mixture over the casserole to create a scrumptiously golden crust.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden

Slide your casserole into the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbling, melty cheese layer and a breadcrumb topping that’s beautifully golden brown. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes after baking—the hardest part!—so the layers set and flavors meld together.

How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Casserole Baked with Penne Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over each serving for a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor. If you want to get a little fancy, a light drizzle of high-quality olive oil or even extra Parmesan takes it over the top.

Side Dishes

Pairing is easy with this casserole! A crisp green salad in a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness, or try classic garlic bread to soak up every last bit of sauce. Roasted vegetables are another great, hands-off side to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elevated dinner-party vibe, spoon portions into individual ramekins before baking, or finish each plate with a twist of black pepper and an extra basil sprig. It’s also fun to serve the Chicken Parmesan Casserole Baked with Penne Pasta Recipe family-style in the center of the table for sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover casserole keeps beautifully! Pop leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors only deepen overnight, making for an incredibly tasty lunch or dinner the next day.

Freezing

If you’re planning ahead, assemble the casserole but hold off on baking. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s still a bit chilled.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. For single servings, a quick zap in the microwave works wonders. Just sprinkle a little extra mozzarella on top for cheese pull action!

FAQs

Can I make Chicken Parmesan Casserole Baked with Penne Pasta Recipe gluten free?

Absolutely! Just swap out the penne for your favorite gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of the regular ones. The rest of the ingredients are already naturally gluten free, so it’s an easy adjustment.

What kind of chicken works best?

Rotisserie chicken is a huge time-saver and gives great flavor, but any cooked chicken works—grilled, baked, or even leftover chicken. You can dice or shred it, whichever texture you prefer.

Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Definitely! Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even diced zucchini make tasty, healthy additions. Mix them in with the pasta and chicken before baking to boost nutrition and flavor.

Can I assemble this Chicken Parmesan Casserole Baked with Penne Pasta Recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can put everything together up to a day in advance. Keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Let it come to room temperature while your oven preheats for best results.

What if I don’t have penne pasta?

No stress! You can easily use rigatoni, ziti, or any other short, sturdy pasta you have on hand. The recipe is flexible and will still deliver all those hearty, cheesy flavors.

Final Thoughts

The Chicken Parmesan Casserole Baked with Penne Pasta Recipe is everything comfort food should be—easy, cheesy, family-friendly, and unbelievably delicious. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just craving a cozy night in, give this dish a try. I have a feeling it’ll become a new favorite at your table!

Chicken Parmesan Casserole Baked with Penne Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in a comforting and satisfying Chicken Parmesan Casserole baked with penne pasta. This easy Italian-inspired dish is perfect for a family dinner or gathering, combining tender chicken, flavorful marinara sauce, and gooey cheese with a crispy breadcrumb topping.

Ingredients

Scale

Penne Pasta:

12 ounces penne pasta

Chicken Mixture:

2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste

Cheese Layer:

1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Breadcrumb Topping:

1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons melted butter

Garnish:

Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook Pasta: Cook penne pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix pasta, chicken, marinara sauce, spices, salt, and pepper. Add 1 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan.
Assemble: Spread the mixture in the baking dish, top with remaining cheeses.
Add Topping: Mix breadcrumbs with butter, sprinkle over the casserole.
Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly. Rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Garnish: Garnish with basil or parsley if desired.