Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

This Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a delicious, family-friendly dinner that combines tender breaded chicken, rigatoni pasta, marinara sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese. Easy to make and packed with classic Italian flavors, this comforting casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Customize it with your favorite pasta and toppings, and enjoy a hearty, cheesy meal that’s always a crowd-pleaser! Great for leftovers and meal prep.

Ingredients

• Pasta: ¾ pound rigatoni pasta
• Sauce: 32 oz. marinara sauce (or up to 48 oz. for a saucier dish)
• Cheese: 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• Parmesan: ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• Chicken: 2 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Coating:
• ¾ cup flour
• 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 2 eggs, whisked
• 1 ½ cups Italian breadcrumbs
• For Frying:
• ¾ cup vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Garnish: Fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Pasta

• Boil a large pot of water and cook the rigatoni 1 minute less than al dente (refer to package instructions).
• Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Toss with 32 oz. marinara sauce, 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of mozzarella. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Chicken

1. Cut and Dry:

• Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and slice it into ½-inch thick strips.

1. Set Up the Breading Station:

• Bowl #1: Combine ¾ cup flour, 2 teaspoons seasoned salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper.
• Bowl #2: Add whisked eggs.
• Bowl #3: Add breadcrumbs.

1. Bread the Chicken:

• Dredge each chicken strip in the flour mixture, dip it into the eggs, and coat thoroughly in breadcrumbs. Use your palms to gently press the breadcrumbs into the chicken for even coverage.

1. Fry the Chicken:

• Heat ¼ inch of oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
• Carefully add the chicken strips in batches, cooking for about 4 minutes per side or until golden brown.
• Place the cooked chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
• Once cool, slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

3. Assemble the Casserole

1. Preheat Oven:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

1. Layer the Casserole:

• Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
• Add half the rigatoni mixture, followed by half the chicken pieces, 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of mozzarella.
• Layer the remaining rigatoni mixture on top, then the rest of the chicken, Parmesan, and mozzarella.

1. Bake:

• Bake uncovered for 25 minutes. For a crispier, browned top, increase the heat to 425°F and bake for an additional 5 minutes.

1. Garnish and Serve:

• Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving. Pair with Garlic Bread with Cheese for the perfect meal!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Family Favorite: A classic comfort food that everyone will enjoy.
• Easy to Prepare: Simplifies chicken Parmesan into a one-dish casserole.
• Customizable: Adjust the sauce, cheese, or spices to suit your taste.
• Perfect for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day!

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Tips

• Cut Chicken Evenly: Uniform strips ensure even cooking.
• Avoid Soggy Chicken: Let chicken strips rest on paper towels after frying.
• Layer Smart: Spread the cheese evenly for a gooey, cheesy bake.
• Use Extra Sauce: Add up to 48 oz. of marinara for a saucier casserole.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Meat Alternatives: Use ground chicken, turkey, or plant-based protein.
• Pasta Swaps: Try penne, ziti, or rotini instead of rigatoni.
• Cheese Options: Replace mozzarella with provolone or fontina for a different flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta, breadcrumbs, and flour.

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FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready.

How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for best results.

Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! Freeze the assembled but unbaked casserole. When ready, bake from frozen at 375°F, adding an additional 10–15 minutes to the baking time.

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Serving

Serve this hearty casserole with a side of garlic bread, a fresh Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables. It’s also great with a glass of red wine or iced tea.

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Suggestions

• Sprinkle red pepper flakes over the casserole before baking for a spicy kick.
• Add a layer of sautéed spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.
• Make it a meal prep option by dividing into single-serve portions and freezing.