30-Minute Chicken Parmesan Casserole – Cozy, Cheesy, and Quick

There’s something magical about taking a beloved classic like Chicken Parmesan and transforming it into a comforting, one-pan casserole. This 30-Minute Chicken Parmesan Casserole delivers all the flavors you adore — golden chicken, tangy marinara, melty cheese, and crispy breadcrumb topping — but without the mess of frying or layering. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that feels like a weekend indulgence.

This recipe came to me on one of those busy midweek evenings when everyone was hungry, and takeout felt like the only option. With just a handful of ingredients and half an hour, this cozy dish filled the kitchen with aromas of baked cheese and garlic that could make anyone swoon. It’s hearty, crowd-pleasing, and totally fuss-free — a meal that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
• 3 cups cooked penne or rotini pasta
• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a medium baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, pasta, marinara sauce, and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Mix well to coat everything evenly.
3. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
4. In a small bowl, stir together breadcrumbs, olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
5. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the casserole, then top with the seasoned breadcrumbs.
6. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
7. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm.

Tips & Tricks

• Use leftover rotisserie chicken to make this recipe even quicker.
• If you love extra sauce, stir in an additional ½ cup of marinara before baking.
• For a crispier top, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.

30-Minute Chicken Parmesan Casserole

A cozy, cheesy chicken parmesan casserole ready in just 30 minutes — all the flavor of the classic in one easy bake.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 6 people

Course: Dinner, Main Dish

Cuisine: American, Italian

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Casserole

• 3 cups cooked chicken breast shredded or cubed
• 3 cups cooked pasta penne or rotini
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.5 cup Italian breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• fresh basil for garnish

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking dish
• Oven
• Measuring cups

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a medium baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, pasta, marinara sauce, and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
3. Transfer to baking dish and spread evenly.
4. In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs, olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning.
5. Top casserole with remaining cheese and breadcrumb mixture.
6. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
7. Let rest for 5 minutes, garnish with basil, and serve.

Notes

Make ahead by assembling and refrigerating up to 24 hours before baking. Perfect for busy weeknights.

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra heat.
• Vegetarian Twist: Substitute chicken with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant.
• Low-Carb Version: Replace pasta with cauliflower florets or cooked spaghetti squash.

Serving Suggestions
Pair this cheesy casserole with a simple green salad or garlic bread. A glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon makes the meal feel special without extra effort.

Storage Information
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes or microwave individual portions for about 2 minutes until warmed through. You can also freeze this casserole (before or after baking) for up to 2 months.

FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

Can I use uncooked pasta?
This recipe works best with pre-cooked pasta, but you can use no-boil pasta if you increase the marinara sauce by ½ cup and add ½ cup of water.

What cheese works best?
A mix of mozzarella for meltiness and Parmesan for flavor creates that perfect Chicken Parm taste.

History / Fun Facts
The traditional Chicken Parmesan, or Chicken Parmigiana, is believed to have been inspired by Italian immigrants in the early 20th century who adapted eggplant parmigiana into a meat-based version. It quickly became a staple of Italian-American cuisine, celebrated for its crispy chicken and rich tomato sauce. This casserole version simplifies the process while keeping the soul of the original dish intact — proving that comfort food can evolve without losing its heart.