Baked Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for that perfect cozy meal that blends comfort and convenience effortlessly. That’s exactly why I adore this Baked Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe. It takes all the flavors you love from classic chicken parmesan—melty cheese, savory tomato sauce, tender chicken—and turns them into an easy, shareable casserole that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd.

What I especially love about this baked chicken parmesan casserole recipe is how flexible it is, and how the combination of rigatoni, broccoli, and those perfectly cooked chicken nuggets come together in one dish that’s both hearty and fresh. You’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again whether it’s for busy family nights or meal prep to keep dinners stress-free.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here come together beautifully to create a cozy, hearty casserole with layers of flavors and textures. Each component plays a role, from the rigatoni’s sturdy bite to the crispy panko topping that finishes it off perfectly.

• Rigatoni: Its tube shape holds sauce well, making every bite flavorful.
• Chicken nuggets or chicken tenders: I love using Bare brand nuggets for quality and ease; cooked and chopped nuggets save loads of time.
• Olive oil: Helps soften your onions and veggies with a subtle fruity flavor.
• Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.
• Garlic: Essential for that Italian flair—freshly minced is best.
• Broccoli: Gives the casserole a fresh crunch and some much-needed greens.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings classic flavor without extra effort.
• Salt & pepper: Balance and bring out the flavors.
• Pasta sauce: I recommend a good-quality marinara for rich flavor; reserve some for layering.
• Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and gives that gooey texture we crave.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty punch both in the layers and topping.
• Panko bread crumbs: Create a wonderfully crisp topping contrast.
• Butter: Melts into the panko for a golden crunch.
• Fresh basil strands: Adds a bright, fresh finishing touch that lifts the whole dish.

Variations

I love tweaking this baked chicken parmesan casserole recipe to keep things interesting, and I encourage you to make it your own. Whether you swap veggies, add spice, or switch up the cheese, it’s all about crafting a casserole you enjoy coming back to.

• Vegetable Variations: Sometimes I swap broccoli for zucchini or mushrooms depending on what’s in season or what my family prefers.
• Protein Swap: Occasionally, I’ve replaced chicken nuggets with shredded rotisserie chicken for an even quicker version.
• Cheese Upgrade: Adding a bit of provolone or fontina ramps up the cheesiness — my teenagers go nuts for this addition.
• Make It Spicy: A pinch of red pepper flakes added to the sauce creates a lovely gentle heat if you’re into that.

How to Make Baked Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Pasta and Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While that’s warming up, cook your rigatoni according to the package instructions until al dente—trust me, you don’t want mushy pasta here. Drain and set it aside. Next, cook your chicken nuggets per package directions, then dice them into bite-sized pieces. I’ve learned that cooking the nuggets before assembling the casserole gives the best texture—if you skip this step, the chicken can turn out a bit soggy.

Step 2: Sauté Your Aromatics and Veggies

Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in your diced onions and cook until they’re soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and chopped broccoli next, stirring in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook everything together for another 3 to 4 minutes until the broccoli starts to soften but still has some bite. This layering of flavors here sets the base for the casserole—don’t rush this part.

Step 3: Simmer Sauce and Combine

Pour 36 ounces of your pasta sauce into the pot with the veggies, reserving about a quarter of the sauce for later. Let everything simmer gently for about 10 minutes until the broccoli is tender and flavors meld beautifully. Remove from heat, then stir in the cooked rigatoni along with 1 cup of mozzarella and all the parmesan cheese until everything is well combined and cheesy.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole Layers

In a 9×13 inch casserole dish, layer half of the cheesy noodle mixture on the bottom. Next, scatter half the cooked chicken nuggets evenly over the top. Spoon half the reserved sauce and sprinkle half the remaining mozzarella cheese over the chicken. Repeat these layers one last time, finishing off with the final mozzarella layer. This layering technique ensures you get those delicious bites of chicken and cheese throughout the casserole, not just in spots.

Step 5: Add the Topping and Bake

Mix panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, melted butter, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning together in a small bowl. Spread this mixture evenly over the top of your casserole—this crunchier topping makes every bite extra-special. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until bubbling around the edges. For the last few minutes, I like to broil the casserole close to the top rack to get that golden, crispy crust, but keep a close eye to avoid burning. Once out of the oven, scatter fresh basil strands on top to brighten the flavors.

How to Serve Baked Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing this casserole with freshly shredded parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley. It adds a lovely pop of color and a fresh herbal note that cuts through the cheesy richness. Sometimes, I add a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or even a pinch of crushed red pepper for a little heat.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or a simple Caesar salad to balance the hearty flavors. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is also a favorite on my table—it’s perfect for sopping up any extra sauce. When I want to keep things light, roasted asparagus or a fresh tomato salad are lovely companions.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes serve this baked chicken parmesan casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets, which makes it feel extra special and fun. Garnishing each portion with a little fresh basil and extra parmesan makes your guests feel like they’re dining out. Also, layering in colorful bell peppers or adding a swirl of pesto on top before baking creates a stunning visual and flavor upgrade.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers are fantastic with this casserole! I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. When reheating, I cover the casserole loosely with foil and warm it in the oven to keep the topping crisp. I’ve found microwaving tends to make the topping a little soggy, so oven reheating is my go-to.

Freezing

This baked chicken parmesan casserole freezes really well, which is a lifesaver on busy weeks. To freeze, I assemble the casserole but don’t bake it, then wrap it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When you’re ready to eat, bake it from frozen—just add about 15 extra minutes to the cooking time. I’ve done this many times and the flavors stay just as vibrant.

Reheating

When reheating leftovers, I usually pop them into a 350°F oven covered with foil until warmed through—this helps maintain that creamy, cheesy interior without drying out. If you want to refresh the topping’s crispiness, I remove the foil for the last 5 minutes. This simple trick always brings back that fresh-baked charm.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Baked Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s one of those dishes that brings people together effortlessly. The ease of using chicken nuggets combined with fresh ingredients and layers of comforting cheese and sauce makes it a regular in my meal rotation. I promise, once you try it, this recipe will become one of your go-to dishes whenever you want something hearty, cheesy, and easy to prepare—just like a warm hug on a plate.

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