Name: Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs uncooked chicken, cut into bite-size cubes; 16 oz gluten-free pasta penne or rotini (about 1 ½ boxes of Jovial brand); 1 cup cherry tomatoes; 5 cups marinara sauce (about 40 oz); 1 cup chicken broth; 4 garlic cloves, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tbsp butter; 1 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 2 tbsp butter; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional or dairy-free alternative); 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (dairy-free if needed); Fresh basil for garnish

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If you’re craving a comfort food dinner that brings cheesy, saucy goodness together in one magical casserole, this Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s like all the best parts of chicken Parmesan—juicy chicken, tangy marinara, and melty cheese—rolled into a cozy, crowd-pleasing bake. Honestly, it’s become one of my go-to dishes when I want something comforting but still easy enough for a weeknight.

What makes this Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe so special is how it balances hearty flavors with a simple, hands-off cooking process. Whether it’s for family dinner, a potluck, or just a cozy night in, it never disappoints. Plus, it works wonders with gluten-free pasta and options for dairy-free cheese, so it’s got versatility that I really appreciate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients meld beautifully to create that classic chicken parmesan flavor, with a few twists to keep it easy and gluten-free. When I shop for this dish, I always make sure to grab the freshest cherry tomatoes and a good-quality marinara sauce—those little details make a big difference.

Chicken (cubed): Bite-size pieces cook evenly; using fresh or thawed chicken works best.
Gluten-free pasta penne or rotini: Jovial brand is my favorite because it holds up well in casseroles without turning mushy.
Cherry tomatoes: They add a burst of freshness and slight sweetness to balance the rich cheese.
Marinara sauce: Choose a flavorful, low-sugar sauce to boost depth without overpowering other ingredients.
Chicken broth: Adds moisture and layers of flavor; use low sodium to control saltiness.
Garlic cloves (minced): Fresh garlic is a must for that authentic touch.
Butter: Needed both for toasting breadcrumbs and building richness.
Gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers: These become the crispy, golden topping that seals the deal.
Garlic powder & onion powder: Complement fresh garlic to deepen the savory notes.
Italian seasoning: A perfect blend to carry those classic herb flavors through the casserole.
Salt and pepper: To taste—don’t skimp on seasoning!
Parmesan cheese (optional): I love grating a fresh bit on top for that extra umami punch, but dairy-free alternatives work great too.
Mozzarella cheese (shredded): Melts gorgeously and creates that ooey-gooey texture we all crave.
Fresh basil: A bright finish that lifts the whole dish.

Variations

One of the best parts about this Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I often tweak it depending on what I have on hand or who I’m feeding—feel free to play around with the ingredients!

Use leftover rotisserie chicken: When I’m short on time, swapping fresh chicken for shredded rotisserie chicken cuts prep in half without sacrificing flavor.
Add veggies: I sometimes toss in spinach or mushrooms to sneak in extra nutrients and make it even heartier.
Dairy-free cheese options: If you’re avoiding dairy, brands like Daiya or Follow Your Heart melt up beautifully here.
Spicy kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce is my go-to way to add some heat without overwhelming those cheesy flavors.
Breadcrumb topping swaps: You can swap breadcrumbs for crushed gluten-free tortilla chips for an extra crunchy twist.

How to Make Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Get the oven and dish ready

Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This prevents the casserole from sticking and makes clean-up much easier. I like using a little cooking spray combined with a brush of butter for that perfect non-stick coating.

Step 2: Mix your casserole ingredients

Place the cubed chicken, uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, chicken broth, cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, and seasonings directly into the baking dish. Gently stir everything to combine without mashing the tomatoes. The beauty of this step is that the pasta cooks in the sauce, soaking up all those flavors as it bakes.

Step 3: Bake it covered

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. This allows the pasta to soften and the chicken to start cooking while the flavors meld. Resist the urge to peek too often—keeping the heat steady is key for even cooking.

Step 4: Toast your breadcrumb topping

While the casserole is baking, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add gluten-free breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt. Stir frequently until the breadcrumbs turn golden and fragrant—this toasty topping adds texture and flavor that you just can’t skip.

Step 5: Add cheese and topping, then bake uncovered

Remove the foil from the casserole, sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly on top, then scatter the toasted breadcrumb mixture over that. Pop it back into the oven uncovered for another 20–25 minutes. You’re aiming for bubbly, melted cheese and a crispy golden crust, with the chicken fully cooked through (165°F internal temp).

Step 6: Garnish and rest before serving

After baking, let your casserole rest for about 5 minutes. This helps everything set up for cleaner slices. Just before serving, sprinkle Parmesan cheese and fresh basil to brighten the flavors and add a fresh punch that takes the dish over the top.

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

Several white bowls and a plate are arranged on a white marbled surface. One white plate on the left holds pieces of raw pale pink chicken with some white fat. Above it, a white bowl is filled with bright red cherry tomatoes. A white bowl in the center contains yellow olive oil. Below that, there is a white bowl full of uncooked yellow penne pasta. On the right side, three smaller white bowls hold green pesto sauce, shredded pale yellow cheese, and dark brown balsamic vinegar. Fresh green basil leaves and two peeled white garlic cloves are on the surface next to the bowls. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I always go for a handful of chopped fresh basil—it adds a lovely freshness that balances out all the cheesy richness. Sometimes I add a light dusting of extra Parmesan for guests who love an extra cheesy kick. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil just before serving also enhances the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or gluten-free rolls are also fantastic if you want something for sopping up the extra marinara sauce. For a veggie boost, roasted broccoli or lightly steamed green beans are my go-to sidekicks.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I’ve baked this casserole in individual ramekins to serve personal portions—it feels a bit fancy but still cozy and homemade. Garnishing each serving with a basil leaf and a small sprinkling of Parmesan makes it feel restaurant-worthy. Also, layering the casserole with some fresh sliced tomatoes on top before baking adds a vibrant, pretty touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they keep well for up to 3 days. The casserole actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors get more concentrated. Just make sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

This Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. I’d recommend freezing it before baking—just assemble the casserole, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake according to instructions. It helps to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time when baking from frozen.

Reheating

For leftovers, I reheat individual portions in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes to keep the crust crispy and cheese melty. Microwaving works too, but I recommend adding a minute or two under the broiler afterward if you want to revive that breadcrumb crunch and freshen up the cheese.

FAQs

Can I use regular pasta instead of gluten-free for the Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe?

Absolutely! You can swap in your favorite regular pasta if gluten isn’t a concern. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the pasta type, but generally, the casserole method works well for penne or rotini.
What’s the best way to ensure the chicken stays juicy in this casserole?

Cutting the chicken into bite-sized cubes helps it cook quickly and evenly. Also, the baking covered step locks in moisture. Avoid overbaking by monitoring the internal temperature and using a meat thermometer to reach 165°F.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time before baking?

Yes! You can assemble everything the day before, keep it covered in the fridge, and then bake just before serving. This makes it a great option for busy days when you want dinner ready without the rush.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

Definitely. Substitute mozzarella with your favorite dairy-free shredded cheese brand and skip Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative. Using dairy-free butter or olive oil for the breadcrumb topping works well too.
How can I make the breadcrumb topping extra crispy?

To get that perfect crunchy topping, make sure to toast your breadcrumbs in butter until golden before sprinkling them on the casserole. You can also broil the casserole uncovered for 2-3 minutes at the very end, but watch carefully to avoid burning.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe has become one of my favorite ways to bring comfort and ease to the dinner table without hours in the kitchen. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—there’s something so satisfying about that melty cheese, savory sauce, and crispy topping all in one dish. Next time you want a hearty, beautiful meal that feels like a warm hug, I promise this casserole will have your back.