If you love that golden, bubbling, and irresistibly cheesy comfort food, then this Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to dinner. I absolutely love how this casserole combines crispy, perfectly seasoned chicken with tender pasta smothered in layers of marinara sauce and ooey-gooey cheese—a real crowd-pleaser every time. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal prepping for the week, this dish hits all the right notes and is surprisingly easy to put together, too.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Balanced Flavors: Crispy chicken with tangy marinara and melty mozzarella creates a perfect harmony in every bite.
Family Friendly: My family goes crazy for this casserole, and it’s a great way to get picky eaters to enjoy their veggies and protein together.
Make Ahead Convenience: You can prep and freeze portions to have a hearty meal ready anytime.
Versatility: Whether using fresh chicken or leftovers, this recipe adapts to what you have on hand without losing flavor.

The dish shows a baking pan filled with layered pasta tubes covered in melted white cheese and red tomato sauce. The pasta tubes are golden brown with a crispy texture and are arranged closely together. There are small green herb pieces sprinkled all over the cheese and sauce, adding a fresh color contrast. The surface has an uneven texture where the cheese is melted and slightly browned on top. A silver utensil rests in the corner of the pan, and the pan is set on a white marbled surface with a blue cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Casserole, Chicken Parmesan casserole, Easy chicken casserole, Baked chicken pasta casserole, Cheesy baked chicken dinner

Ingredients You’ll Need

The combination of a few simple ingredients transforms into a rich, cheesy, satisfying casserole that feels fancy but is actually quite easy to make. I usually pick good-quality marinara for the best flavor, and fresh mozzarella whenever I can—but the shredded kind works just as well!

Flat lay of rigatoni pasta piled neatly, two small boneless skinless chicken breasts raw and fresh, a small mound of Italian breadcrumbs, a small heap of all-purpose flour, two whole uncracked brown eggs, three cups shredded mozzarella cheese in a small white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl with grated Parmesan cheese, a small white bowl with bright red marinara sauce, a small white bowl filled with golden vegetable oil, two tablespoons of pale yellow butter on a white ceramic plate, and a few sprigs of fresh green parsley arranged delicately, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Casserole, Chicken Parmesan casserole, Easy chicken casserole, Baked chicken pasta casserole, Cheesy baked chicken dinner

Rigatoni pasta: Sturdy enough to hold up under all the sauce and cheese without going mushy.
Marinara sauce: You can go classic with store-bought or homemade – just make sure it’s flavorful.
Mozzarella cheese: The key cheesy element that melts beautifully and adds creaminess.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty and salty punch, giving the casserole a nice depth of flavor.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Easy to bread and fry for that crispy coating we all love.
Flour: For dredging the chicken to get a crunchy crust before frying.
Seasoned salt: Packs in savory flavor right into the breading.
Black pepper: Just a touch to balance seasoning.
Eggs: Helps the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken perfectly.
Italian breadcrumbs: The secret to that crunchy, flavorful coating on the chicken.
Vegetable oil: For frying chicken to golden perfection.
Butter: Adds richness when combined with sauces and cheese.
Fresh parsley: For garnish – it adds freshness and a pop of color.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love experimenting with this casserole to suit whatever mood I’m in or what’s available in my pantry. Feel free to swap, add, or skip ingredients—this recipe is very forgiving and delicious every way you make it.

Use frozen chicken tenders: When I’m short on time, swapping fresh chicken breasts for frozen tenders cuts prep significantly without skimping on flavor.
Add veggies: I’ve tossed in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color—your call!
Spicy kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the marinara sauce adds a lovely warmth that my family adores.
Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs, and substitute with gluten-free flour to make it friendly for gluten-sensitive folks.
Cheese swap: Try fontina or provolone for a different cheesy flavor profile that’s still melty and dreamy.

How to Make Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling your rigatoni pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Don’t overcook—if the pasta is too soft, it won’t hold up well in the casserole. While the water boils, take a moment to prep your chicken—it’s a great time multitasking in the kitchen!

Step 2: Bread and Fry the Chicken

This is where the magic begins. Pat your chicken breasts dry, then dredge each piece in flour seasoned with salt and pepper. Next, dip them in beaten eggs and coat with Italian breadcrumbs. I discovered that pressing the breadcrumbs gently into the chicken gives the crispiest crust. Heat your vegetable oil in a skillet and fry the chicken until it’s golden and cooked through—usually about 4-5 minutes per side. Don’t overcrowd the pan; that’s a rookie mistake that leads to soggy breading.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Drain your pasta and toss it with marinara sauce and butter for extra richness. Layer the pasta into your casserole dish, slice the crispy chicken and arrange it over the top, then sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. This layering ensures every forkful gets that perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Step 4: Bake Until Bubbling and Golden

Bake your casserole in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and beautifully browned. I like to broil the last 2 minutes just to get that irresistible golden crust on top, but watch it closely so it doesn’t burn.

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Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

Bread Properly: Press breadcrumbs onto chicken firmly and let the coated chicken rest for 5 minutes before frying to keep the crust intact.
Don’t Overcook Pasta: Make sure to slightly undercook the pasta since it’ll continue cooking in the oven with the sauce — this prevents mushiness.
Use Room Temperature Cheese: Adding room-temp cheese helps it melt evenly and creates that gooey, luscious layer we all crave.
Avoid Soggy Casserole: Drain pasta well and avoid using excess sauce; too much marinara can make the dish watery.

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

The image shows a white plate filled with rigatoni pasta layered with rich, chunky tomato sauce tinted in deep red and orange hues, mixed with a generous layer of melted cheese on top that is creamy white with slight golden-brown spots. Bits of green herbs are sprinkled across the dish, adding small specks of vibrant color. The pasta shapes are ridged, thick, and well coated with sauce and cheese. A silver fork with a black handle rests on the edge of the plate. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with a softly blurred blue and white cloth in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Casserole, Chicken Parmesan casserole, Easy chicken casserole, Baked chicken pasta casserole, Cheesy baked chicken dinner

Garnishes

I always sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top—it brightens the dish and adds a fresh herbal note. Sometimes, I add a little extra Parmesan just before serving for that punch of saltiness you can’t live without.

Side Dishes

Simple sides work best to balance the richness of this casserole. I love a crisp Caesar salad or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. A crusty garlic bread on the side rounds out the meal perfectly, soaking up all those delicious sauces.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve individual portions in small ramekins or mini cast iron skillets—so cute and cozy! You can also layer this casserole in a decorative baking dish and let guests serve themselves family-style for a warm, inviting vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store beautifully covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to save mine in airtight containers to keep the casserole from drying out. When opening the fridge, the aroma of cheesy chicken goodness always makes me smile!

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole both before and after baking. If freezing before baking, cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, bake it straight from the freezer—just add extra time to cooking so it heats through. It’s a lifesaver for busy weeks!

Reheating

To reheat, cover with foil and bake in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 20 minutes. For a crispy top, remove foil for the last 5 minutes. I avoid microwaving because it tends to make the coating less crispy and the dish a bit rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this casserole?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add a bit more flavor and stay juicy. Just make sure to adjust cooking times as thighs may need a few extra minutes to cook through. The breading and casserole layers work just as well with thighs.
Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free pasta, breadcrumbs, and flour substitutes like almond or rice flour for breading. This makes the dish accessible to those with gluten sensitivities without sacrificing taste.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Definitely. You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it, then bake it when you’re ready. Or freeze it for longer storage—just remember to add extra bake time when cooking from frozen!
What kind of marinara sauce works best?

I recommend a marinara sauce that’s balanced—neither too sweet nor too tangy. Homemade is wonderful if you have it, but good-quality store-bought sauces also work great and save time.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s the kind of meal that brings comfort and smiles to everyone at the table. I’m always amazed by how a few simple steps turn into a dinner that feels warm, indulgent, and special—without hours of fuss. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it becomes your trusted recipe for busy nights or gatherings with loved ones. Now, grab your skillet and get ready to create something deliciously cheesy and totally satisfying!