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Easy Chicken Parmesan Pasta Casserole Recipe for a Cheesy Family Dinner

Easy Chicken Parmesan Pasta Casserole

A hearty baked pasta casserole with chicken, marinara, mozzarella, Parmesan, and a crisp breadcrumb topping. This family-friendly dinner serves 6 and is ready in about 40–50 minutes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Chicken
  • 12 ounces Penne or ziti pasta
  • 3 cups Cooked chicken, diced or shredded
Sauce and Seasoning
  • 24 ounces Marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon, plus more for pasta water Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
Cheese and Topping
  • 2 cups Shredded mozzarella, divided
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup Italian-seasoned or panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil or melted butter
Garnish
  • 2 tablespoons, optional Fresh basil or parsley, chopped

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Heat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the pasta in salted water until 1–2 minutes shy of the package directions. Drain it well.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, chicken, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, 1 cup mozzarella, and Parmesan.
  4. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish and cover the top with the remaining 1 cup mozzarella.
  5. Mix the breadcrumbs with the olive oil or melted butter, then sprinkle the mixture over the cheese.
  6. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until hot and bubbling. Broil for 1–2 minutes if a darker topping is desired, watching closely.
  7. Rest the casserole for 5 minutes, then garnish with chopped basil or parsley if desired and serve.

Notes

Slightly undercook the pasta so it stays firm after baking. Rotisserie chicken works especially well; if using freshly cooked chicken, let it cool briefly before mixing. Panko gives the crispiest topping. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and reheat until hot.