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Easy Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe - 30-Minute Cheesy Family Dinner

This Chicken Parmesan Casserole combines all the beloved elements of traditional chicken parmesan - tender chicken, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese - in a simple, family-friendly casserole that comes together in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, it offers maximum flavor with minimal effort while baking everything together in one dish for easy cleanup.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 24 oz marinara sauce (your favorite brand)
  • 8 oz penne pasta, cooked al dente
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed chicken, cooked penne pasta, marinara sauce, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix gently until everything is well combined.
  3. Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Top with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
  4. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden spots.
  5. For a nice crispy top, you can broil for 1-2 minutes at the end (watch carefully!).
  6. Remove from oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.

Notes

Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes baking time if starting cold. Pasta Perfection: Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushiness. Cheese Choices: Combine mozzarella with provolone or asiago for extra flavor. Extra Flavor Boost: Sauté onions and garlic first for deeper flavor, or add spinach for nutrients.