Easy Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

5 from 2 votes

Easy Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

This chicken parmesan casserole combines the best parts of a traditional chicken parmesan with the ease of a casserole dish—making it perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner. Packed with tender chicken, gluten-free pasta, rich marinara, melted cheese, and a crunchy golden topping, this chicken parm casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Best of all, it’s made with simple ingredients and can be customized to suit your dietary needs!

Prep Time5

Servings: servings

Ingredients

Pasta Base

1 1/2 lbs uncooked chicken cut into bite-size cubes
16 oz gluten-free pasta penne or rotini I use Jovial, and use 1 ½ boxes
1 cup cherry tomatoes
5 cups marinara sauce 40 oz
1 cup chicken broth
4 garlic cloves minced
1 tbsp butter

Topping

1 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
2 tbsp butter
Salt and pepper to taste
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese optional, or dairy-free alternative
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese dairy-free if needed
Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish to ensure a smooth release of your casserole.
Prepare the Pasta Base: Add the cubed chicken, gluten-free pasta, marinara sauce, chicken broth, tomatoes, minced garlic, and a blend of your favorite seasonings to the greased dish. Stir everything together so the flavors meld. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, allowing the dish to come together beautifully.
Make the Topping: While the casserole bakes, melt the butter in a medium skillet. Add the gluten-free breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt. Toast the breadcrumbs in the skillet until they’re golden and fragrant, creating a flavorful topping.
Top the Casserole: After 25 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven and uncover. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top and then add the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even, crispy layer.
Final Bake: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Garnish and Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. For an extra touch of flavor, garnish with freshly grated parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh basil.

Notes

For perfectly cooked pasta, aim for al dente texture before baking.
Use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time.
To achieve an even golden topping, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.
For an extra layer of flavor, drizzle of olive oil over the top of the casserole before baking to enhance the richness and help the breadcrumbs toast to golden perfection.

Nutrition