Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

If you’re anything like me, busy weeknights need a trusty go-to meal that’s not just quick, but totally satisfying—and that’s exactly why I want to share this Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe with you. It’s a cozy, all-in-one dish bursting with cheesy goodness, tender chicken, and that classic Parmesan flavor you crave. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe lies in the balance of simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create that soul-satisfying dinner. I recommend picking a good quality marinara and fresh basil if you can—it really lifts the whole dish.

• Chicken: I usually go with boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs cut into bite-size pieces for even cooking.
• Gluten-Free Pasta: Penne or rotini works best; Jovial brand is my go-to for texture and taste.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Adds a juicy pop and freshness to contrast the richness.
• Marinara Sauce: Choose your favorite jarred sauce or homemade for that perfect tomato base.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and depth; don’t skip this—it keeps the pasta from drying out.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic amps up the savory flavor.
• Butter: Used for cooking and toasting the breadcrumb topping for richness.
• Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs or Crackers: Provides that beautiful crunchy topping everyone loves.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Italian Seasoning: These dried herbs and spices make the topping irresistible.
• Parmesan Cheese (optional): Adds that authentic Parmesan bite but feel free to use a dairy-free alternative.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into gooey perfection; I use dairy-free if needed and still get great results.
• Fresh Basil: The finishing touch that adds brightness and color.

Variations

One thing I love about this Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, following dietary needs, or just mixing it up for fun, you’ll find some tweaks that make it your own.

• Use Leftover Chicken: I often save time with diced rotisserie chicken—it’s super convenient and stays juicy.
• Vegetarian Twist: Try swapping chicken with sautéed mushrooms or zucchini for a meat-free version I’ve made that’s just as comforting.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the marinara for some heat that wakes up your taste buds.
• Dairy-Free Option: I use dairy-free cheese and butter alternatives without sacrificing that gooey, melty texture.

How to Make Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this ensures the casserole doesn’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze. I prefer a bit of butter here because it adds flavor, but oil works too. Setting the oven early is key so everything cooks evenly later.

Step 2: Assemble the Pasta Base

Next, toss the cubed chicken, gluten-free pasta, marinara sauce, chicken broth, cherry tomatoes, and minced garlic straight into your greased dish. Give it a good stir so everything gets nice and mixed—this is where the flavors start melding beautifully. Make sure that the pasta is well coated so it will absorb all the sauce while baking. Cover the dish tightly with foil, and pop it in the oven for 25 minutes. This step gently cooks the chicken and softens the pasta without drying things out.

Step 3: Craft the Crispy Breadcrumb Topping

While your casserole bakes, melt butter in a medium skillet over medium heat, then stir in gluten-free breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers), garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt. Toast this mixture until golden and fragrant—about 3-4 minutes. I discovered this trick makes the topping extra flavorful and perfectly crunchy, which contrasts so well with the melty cheese underneath.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Topping

Take the casserole out of the oven and remove the foil. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese all over the top in an even layer, then finish by scattering your golden breadcrumb mixture over the cheese. This layering is what makes the whole dish sing — creamy, gooey cheese with that crispy, savory crunch.

Step 5: Final Bake to Perfection

Return the baking dish to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes. You want to see bubbly, melted cheese with golden brown breadcrumbs topping it off. To make sure your chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check it’s reached 165°F internally. If you love an extra crispy topping, I promise broiling for the last 2-3 minutes makes all the difference—just watch it closely so it doesn’t burn!

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, give the casserole about 5 minutes to cool and set—it’ll make serving much easier. Sprinkle fresh basil and a little grated Parmesan on top for that fresh, bright finish that balances rich flavors. Serve it warm and watch everyone dig in happily!

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing this casserole with freshly chopped basil because it adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that cuts through the richness. Sometimes I sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top when serving for that salty, nutty touch. A drizzle of good olive oil adds richness, especially when serving for guests.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this casserole are a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli. They add brightness and a bit of crunch, balancing the creamy, cheesy casserole. Garlic bread (gluten-free of course!) is also delicious if you want to keep the meal classic.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or dinner parties, I like to bake this in individual ramekins so everyone gets their own cheesily topped serving (plus it looks super fancy!). You can garnish each portion with a basil leaf and a little Parmesan twirl to impress your guests. Another fun idea is to serve it buffet-style with a toppings bar—think extra herbs, red pepper flakes, or lemon zest for added freshness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge, and they keep well for up to 3-4 days. Here’s a tip: spoon a little extra marinara on top before reheating to prevent the pasta from drying out. I often pack single servings for work lunches and it tastes just as good the next day!

Freezing

This casserole freezes well, which is a lifesaver for busy weeks. I portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. When ready to eat, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven for best texture, or the microwave in a pinch.

Reheating

To reheat, I preheat the oven to 350°F and cover the casserole loosely with foil to avoid drying out the cheese. Bake for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. For single portions, the microwave works fine—just add a splash of water and cover to keep it moist.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t tell you how often this Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe has saved dinner around here—it’s straightforward, comforting, and oh-so-delicious. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this casserole delivers every time. Give it a try and I promise it’ll become one of your favorite easy weeknight dinners too. Let me know how it goes—you’re going to love it!

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