If you’re already drooling just thinking about melty cheese, crispy chicken, and hearty pasta all bundled up in one dish, you’re going to adore this Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe. It’s one of those meals that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for family dinners or impressing friends with a fuss-free yet utterly delicious crowd-pleaser. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a go-to comfort food favorite.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort Food Classic: It’s like all your favorite Italian flavors in one cheesy, crispy casserole.
Easy to Customize: Use leftover chicken or frozen tenders—no fancy prep needed.
Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for feeding a hungry family or bringing to potlucks.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it in advance for stress-free dinners during your busy week.

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, cheesy chicken bake, Italian chicken casserole, easy comfort food recipes

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe brings together pantry staples and fresh ingredients that complement each other beautifully. With a blend of cheeses and simple seasonings, you’ll get a fantastic flavor balance that’s irresistible. Here are the highlights for picking the best ingredients.

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, cheesy chicken bake, Italian chicken casserole, easy comfort food recipes

Rigatoni pasta: I love rigatoni here because its ridges hold onto all that cheesy sauce so well, but penne or ziti work in a pinch.
Marinara sauce: Use your favorite jarred sauce, but if you’re feeling ambitious, homemade marinara takes this to the next level.
Mozzarella cheese: Freshly shredded melts better than pre-shredded thanks to less anti-caking additives.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated gives a deeper, nuttier flavor—don’t skimp on this!
Chicken breasts: Look for tender, skinless breasts, or swap for your favorite cooked chicken leftovers.
Flour & Seasoned salt: These help give the chicken a perfect crispy crust, so be sure to season well.
Eggs: Bind the breading to the chicken for that golden crunch you want.
Italian breadcrumbs: They add great texture and a hint of herb flavor that’s essential here.
Vegetable oil & butter: Perfect combo for frying for crispiness plus a little buttery flavor boost.
Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of green freshness brightens up every bite.

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

Everybody loves to tweak recipes to suit their taste or dietary needs. I often swap the chicken for rotisserie leftovers when I’m short on time, and you can easily adjust the cheese or breadcrumbs to fit what you have on hand. Personalizing this dish makes it even better!

Chicken Variations: Using frozen chicken tenders saved me one crazy weeknight, and honestly, it worked just as well.
Cheese Swaps: Try adding some provolone or fontina for a richer, gooier experience.
Gluten-Free: Replace regular pasta and breadcrumbs with gluten-free versions to keep it allergy-friendly.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the marinara or breadcrumbs if you and your family love some heat.

How to Make Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Pasta and Bread the Chicken

Start by cooking your rigatoni pasta in salted boiling water until al dente—don’t overcook it because it will keep baking with the sauce later. While that’s going, time to bread the chicken. I find it easiest to set up a dredging station: flour mixed with seasoned salt and pepper, beaten eggs, and Italian breadcrumbs. Coat the chicken breasts thoroughly by dipping first in the flour, then egg, and finally breadcrumbs. This triple-step breading ensures a crispy crust that holds up in the casserole.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat the vegetable oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the breaded chicken breasts until they’re golden brown on both sides—about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Don’t rush this part because a crispy crust is what makes the casserole truly amazing. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a paper towel to drain excess oil, then slice or cube it for layering.

Step 3: Assemble the Layers

In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Add the cooked pasta next, then top with chicken pieces. Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over everything. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese generously on top—this is where that cheesy goodness really shines.

Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden

Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes. You want the cheese to melt into bubbling, golden perfection with just a hint of crispy edges. A healthy sprinkle of fresh parsley right after baking adds a nice burst of freshness and color.

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Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

Don’t Skip the Triple Dredge: It might seem extra, but flour, egg, then breadcrumbs is the key to getting that perfect crust on the chicken every time.
Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese has starch that keeps it from melting smoothly; shredding at home makes a silky melt.
Let it Rest Before Serving: Giving it 5-10 minutes out of the oven helps it set up so you get nice, neat slices instead of a cheesy spill.
Adjust Sauces to Your Preference: If you like it saucier, add an extra half cup to the marinara—your family’s taste buds will thank you!

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, cheesy chicken bake, Italian chicken casserole, easy comfort food recipes

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle fresh chopped parsley for that pop of color and brightness. Sometimes, I add a little extra grated Parmesan right before serving to up the cheesy factor. A dash of cracked black pepper on top also adds just the right kick without overpowering the dish.

Side Dishes

This casserole is so hearty it pairs beautifully with simple sides. A crisp Caesar salad or steamed green beans balances the richness. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is great for soaking up any leftover sauce—you’ll want every last drop!

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinner parties, I like to serve this casserole in individual oven-safe ramekins and top each with a fresh basil leaf or mini mozzarella ball. It adds a charming touch and some fun for guests to enjoy their own perfect cheesy bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I reheat, I cover the casserole loosely with foil to keep it from drying out and heat at 350°F until warmed through—usually about 15-20 minutes.

Freezing

This casserole freezes really well! I usually assemble it but don’t bake before freezing. Wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, bake right from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven to keep the crust crispy—microwaving gets the cheese all rubbery, which is a bummer. Adding a splash of water or extra sauce before reheating helps prevent dryness.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for the Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe?

Absolutely! I’ve made this using frozen chicken tenders when short on time, and it works beautifully. Just thaw and pat them dry before breading and frying. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken to save even more time.
What type of pasta is best for this casserole?

Rigatoni is my favorite because its ridges trap all that saucy, cheesy goodness perfectly. However, penne or ziti are excellent substitutes if rigatoni isn’t available.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate it before baking. Just remember to bake it a little longer if it’s coming right out of the fridge. It’s a great way to simplify dinner on busy nights.
How do I store leftovers properly?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, cover loosely with foil and warm in the oven to maintain that crispy cheese topping.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe really holds a special place in my kitchen. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone together around the table with happy smiles and full bellies. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or craving comfort food on a chilly night, this casserole never disappoints. Give it a try—you’ll love the way the crispy chicken and gooey cheese come together in every bite. And hey, it’s a great excuse to enjoy some cozy, delicious cooking time at home!