Parmesan Chicken Casserole

By SandraAugust 22, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction: Oh My Goodness, Parmesan Chicken Casserole!

Fancy a bit of comfort? Are you craving something warm, cheesy, and totally satisfying? Honestly, who isn't! This Parmesan Chicken Casserole Chicken Casserole is it.

It’s your new best mate in a baking dish. Imagine creamy, cheesy, chickeny goodness, all bubbly and ready to devour.

This isn't just any chicken casserole recipe . This is the easy casserole recipe that'll make you feel like you've been hugged from the inside.

It has that wonderful Italian chicken casserole vibe. It's packed with flavour and so simple. It's like a trip to Nonna's, without the transatlantic flight.

Brief Backstory

The Parmesan chicken magic hails from those cosy Italian-American kitchens. They aimed to fill bellies and warm hearts. It’s a comfort food casserole classic for good reason.

Ready in under an hour, it's perfect for feeding a hungry family of four.

Why You'll Love This Chicken Pasta Bake

This cheesy chicken casserole is a nutritional winner. Think protein from the chicken and calcium from the Parmesan. It’s the ultimate pick-me-up on a cold evening.

It's also brilliant for using up leftover rotisserie chicken casserole . Plus, it's so simple, even I can't mess it up! It's one of those weeknight dinner ideas where you can actually relax and enjoy the cooking process.

This recipe's uniqueness? The balance of creamy and tangy. This is what makes it so incredibly addictive. You know? It's the creamy chicken casserole you'll be making again and again.

Alright, let's talk about what you'll need for this ridiculously tasty Parmesan Chicken Casserole . This isn't some fancy-pants cooking; it's proper, honest-to-goodness comfort food casserole .

I swear, this chicken casserole recipe is so easy. It's a winner for weeknight dinner ideas .

Ingredients You'll Need

First up, let's nail the main ingredients. Remember, good ingredients mean a cracking good dish.

Main Goodies

Cooked Chicken: 3 cups (about 450g), shredded or diced. Rotisserie chicken is a cheat's dream. Honestly, who has time to cook chicken mid-week? Use already cooked chicken.
Cooked Pasta: 2 cups (about 300g). Penne, rotini, elbow macaroni. Go wild! Make sure it's al dente, though. No one likes mushy pasta.
Marinara Sauce: 1 ½ cups (about 360ml). Jarred or homemade. Whatever floats your boat, really.
Sour Cream: 1 cup (about 240ml). Or Greek yogurt if you're feeling virtuous. It gives it a lovely tang.
Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup (about 115g), shredded.
Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup (about 50g), grated. And extra for topping. We're making a Parmesan chicken casserole after all.

Quality indicators for the chicken? Make sure it's cooked through. Look for a good brand of Parmesan ; freshly grated is always better. Seriously.

Seasoning Secret Sauce

Spice it up right. These little bits make a huge difference.

Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is best, always.
Italian Seasoning: 1 tsp . Essential for that Italian vibe.
Salt and Pepper: To taste. Don't be shy.
Fresh Basil/Parsley: Chopped, for garnish. Makes it look posh.

For a flavour enhancer, a pinch of red pepper flakes is boss. Quick sub? Dried herbs if you're out of fresh.

Kit You Need

Right, you don't need a kitchen the size of Buckingham Palace for this easy casserole recipe . Just the essentials:

Large Bowl: For mixing it all together.
9x13-inch Baking Dish: Or something similar. Roughly 23cm x 33cm.
Cheese Grater: For that glorious Parmesan .

Common household alternatives? A smaller dish works.

This creamy chicken casserole will be your go-to. It makes you want to snuggle up on the sofa and watch trash TV.

So, get your apron on, and let's do this! Who needs fancy Italian chicken casserole when you've got this? I'd go as far as saying that this is my favourite type of chicken pasta bake too!

Cooking Up Comfort: Mastering the Parmesan Chicken Casserole

Honestly, is there anything more comforting than a bubbling, cheesy casserole? I think not! Today, we're diving headfirst into the world of Parmesan Chicken Casserole .

This isn't just any chicken casserole recipe ; it's a hug in a dish, perfect for those weeknight dinner ideas when you need something quick and satisfying.

Think creamy, cheesy goodness – the ultimate comfort food casserole .

Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

First things first, let's get organised. This is your essential mise en place . Chop your garlic. Get that pasta cooked al dente.

Shred your Parmesan chicken and mozzarella. Having everything prepped shaves off so much time. Safety reminder: Watch those fingers when you're chopping!

Step-by-Step: From Bowl to Table

Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) .
In a large bowl, mix your cooked chicken, pasta, marinara, sour cream, garlic, and Italian seasoning.
Stir in the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan.
Pour into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan on top.
Bake for 25- 30 minutes , until bubbly and golden brown.

Visual cue for doneness? Look for that golden-brown, bubbly top. That's how you know the cheesy chicken casserole is ready! Let it cool for 5 before serving.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Casserole Game

Want to shortcut this recipe and make the prep easier? Grab a rotisserie chicken from the store. Rotisserie chicken casserole is a fantastic time-saver! Also, don't overbake.

Seriously, soggy chicken pasta bake is no fun. Another killer pro tip is make-ahead. You can assemble the entire casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it.

Just add 10 minutes to the baking time. This easy casserole recipe is pure gold! And let's be real, who doesn't love an Italian chicken casserole ?

Recipe Notes for the Best Parmesan Chicken Casserole Chicken Casserole

This Parmesan Chicken Casserole is more than just an easy casserole recipe . It's like a warm hug on a plate.

I wanted to share some extra tips to make it amazing. This recipe, or shall I say, this chicken casserole recipe , will be your new best friend.

Seriously, this comfort food casserole is that good. Let's dive into how to make it even better, shall we? I still remember the first time I made it, oh my gosh, it was a hit.

Plating Like a Pro and Perfect Pairings

Think about how you serve this cheesy chicken casserole . A simple green salad really brightens it up. A side of warm garlic bread? Yes, please! I love to garnish with fresh basil.

It makes it look fancy and adds a fresh flavour. For drinks, a crisp white wine pairs perfectly. You could also try a sparkling lemonade for something non-alcoholic.

Storage Secrets and Reheating Hints

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This chicken pasta bake keeps well. Pop it in the fridge for up to three days.

Make sure it's in an airtight container though. If you want to freeze it, go for it! Wrap it tightly in cling film and then foil.

It will last for up to two months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, bake at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through.

You can also microwave it in a pinch. I suggest adding a bit of water or chicken broth, for moisture.

Recipe Remix: Variations for Everyone

Want to mix things up? Add veggies! Bell peppers and mushrooms are fantastic in this. Just sauté them first. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

For a gluten-free version? Simply use gluten-free pasta. Seriously, it's so easy and it fits any dietary adaptations. Honestly, this Italian chicken casserole is so versatile.

You can make a rotisserie chicken casserole and save time.

Quick Nutrition Breakdown

This creamy chicken casserole offers a good balance of protein and carbs. It's fairly high in fat, so consider that.

A serving is roughly 450-550 calories . It also provides a good amount of calcium from the cheese. Remember, this is an estimate.

The exact values depend on the ingredients. So, this weeknight dinner ideas is both satisfying and nutritious.

So there you have it. Follow these tips and tricks for the ultimate Parmesan Chicken Casserole Chicken Casserole experience! You've got this!

Cheesy Chicken Casserole kw Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Parmesan Chicken Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through. It's like prepping for a bake-off, but way less stressful!

What's the best way to store leftovers of this Parmesan Chicken Casserole Chicken Casserole?

Leftovers are your friend! Store any remaining casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions or bake the whole casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Consider it a tasty reminder of your culinary prowess.

I don't have sour cream. Can I use something else in the Parmesan Chicken Casserole?

No worries, mate! Plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream, offering a similar tang and creaminess. You could also use ricotta cheese for a slightly different, but equally delicious, flavour. It's all about making it work with what you've got – think of it as a culinary "make do and mend" situation.

How can I prevent the Parmesan Chicken Casserole from drying out?

Nobody wants a desert-dry casserole! Make sure you don't overbake it. Also, covering the dish with foil during the first half of the baking time can help retain moisture; remove the foil during the last few minutes to allow the cheese to brown. Using enough sauce is also key – you want everything nicely coated, not swimming, but definitely not dry.

Can I add vegetables to my Parmesan Chicken Casserole?

Definitely! Adding veggies is a fantastic way to boost the nutritional value and flavour of your casserole. Sauté vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or zucchini before adding them to the chicken and pasta mixture. Think of it as giving your casserole a healthy, delicious makeover, a bit like Gok Wan styling a new wardrobe.

Is there a healthier way to enjoy this Parmesan Chicken Casserole?

You bet! Use whole wheat pasta for added fiber, and opt for light sour cream or Greek yogurt to reduce the fat content. Load up on the veggies, and consider using chicken breast instead of chicken thighs to lower the calories and fat. You can even use low-fat cheese options. Think of it as enjoying your favourite comfort food with a bit of a health halo!