Cozy Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Dive into ultimate comfort with this Cozy Chicken Parmesan Casserole, a hearty twist on the classic Italian favorite. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this dish combines tender shredded chicken, al dente penne pasta, and rich marinara sauce, all blanketed in gooey mozzarella and nutty Parmesan cheese. The finishing touch is a buttery, golden panko breadcrumb topping that adds an irresistible crunch to every bite. Bursting with the flavors of Italian seasoning, garlic, and just a hint of fresh parsley, this easy-to-make casserole comes together in under 45 minutes—ideal for satisfying your family’s cravings with minimal effort. Serve it straight from the oven for a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal that’ll become an instant favorite in your recipe rotation.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 3 cups penne pasta, cooked and drained
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoons garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or oil.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, marinara sauce, cooked penne pasta, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, followed by an even layer of grated Parmesan cheese.
In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and melted butter. Stir until the breadcrumbs are well-coated and slightly clumpy.
Sprinkle the buttery breadcrumbs evenly over the cheese layer.
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3751 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 136.1 g | 174% | |
| Saturated Fat | 68.1 g | 340% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 926 mg | 309% | |
| Sodium | 5250 mg | 228% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 260.5 g | 95% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 18.1 g | 65% | |
| Total Sugars | 21.1 g | ||
| Protein | 345.0 g | 690% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 2714 mg | 209% | |
| Iron | 18.6 mg | 103% | |
| Potassium | 2400 mg | 51% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
