I love this Chicken Parmesan Pasta Casserole dish because I can toss it all together and let it cook – very little effort on my part, but it tastes like I have spent all day making a delicious dinner.
Chicken Parmesan is one of my favorite dishes, but it can be labor intensive and let’s be honest – at the end of a busy day, I am not really in the mood to spend more than 20 minutes on dinner. 😉
This recipe uses cooked shredded chicken (a rotisserie chicken that you pick up at the grocery store on your way home from work will be perfect for this dish!) instead of breading chicken and frying it before cooking it.
Related recipes: Want more simple pasta recipes? Try our Baked Crispy Chicken Parmesan or Crockpot Spaghetti.
Tips for making this Chicken Parmesan Pasta Casserole:
- Any type of pasta will work for this dish – I like penne pasta, but bowtie (farfalle) noodles are great, ziti noodles are delicious, and I have even used elbow macaroni! Use what you have available.
- You can use any type of cooked, shredded chicken in this recipe (like a rotisserie chicken), but another option is to use breaded chicken tenders for a more authentic chicken parm taste. Just cook the frozen tenders as directed and cut up to use in the dish.
- You could also use leftover grilled chicken in this dish.
- Because this dish has so few ingredients, using high quality and fresh ingredients whenever possible will make a HUGE difference in the taste and quality. I would recommend using fresh basil and fresh grated Parmesan cheese for the best results! This also prefer using this bottled marinara sauce or this one.
Want even more recipe ideas that use already made chicken ?! Try these 45 Cold Chicken Recipes (Best Leftover Chicken Ideas)!
How to make Chicken Parmesan Casserole:
This dish could not be easier!
Cook pasta al dente as directed on package. Since you will be baking the noodles in the oven, you don’t want them to get mushy by over-boiling them – al dente is the way to go!
Toss the cooked pasta with the cooked chicken and marinara sauce, then layer it with the mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese.
Top it with some fresh basil, throw it in the oven, and dinner is done!
It’s easy enough for a busy weeknight, but delicious enough to serve for Sunday dinner!
Need a quick and easy side dish to serve with this casserole? Make our Homemade 30 Minute Rolls – they really only take 30 minutes from start to finish!
What to serve with Chicken Parmesan Casserole:
- Homemade French Bread
- Fresh Berry Salad
- Italian Fresh Green Salad
- Italian Roasted Carrots
- 30 Minute Dinner Rolls
Chicken Parmesan Pasta Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta, 1 package, (or any pasta – whole wheat works great for this recipe too!)
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 26 ounces marinara sauce, 1 jar
- 1½ cups shredded Mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup freshly shredded parmesan cheese, divided
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a deep 9 x 13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Set dish aside.
- Cook pasta al dente, as directed on package.
- Drain pasta and place in a large bowl.
- Add in shredded chicken and marinara sauce (add more sauce if needed).
- Mix well.
- Dump half of the pasta/chicken mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Top with half of the mozzarella cheese, half of the Parmesan cheese and half of the basil.
- Repeat layers with remaining items.
- Place casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and casserole is heated through.
Notes
- Any type of pasta will work for this dish – I like penne pasta, but bowtie (farfalle) noodles are great, ziti noodles are delicious, and I have even used elbow macaroni! Use what you have available.
Nutrition
Did You Make This Recipe?We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a review or a question in the comment section below the post.Recipe from Gimme Some Oven
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How many cups of shredded rotisserie chicken would you suggest for this recipe?
About 3-4 cups.
Can this be made ahead of time?
You can easily make this recipe (but don’t bake) and place in the fridge covered well. Then stick in the oven when you get home and bake. It may need a few extra minutes because it will have been chilled in the fridge.
Is the chicken cooked before it is added to the pasta and sauce? Can’t wait to try this recipe!!!!
Yes, in the recipe it says 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (cooked and shredded)
My family of 10 loved this recipe!
This was a good recipe! However it came out a bit dry for us. I’m definitely going to use at least 1.5 jars, if not 2, of sauce next time. I also added minced garlic, garlic powder and onion powder to the mixture.