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Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 528 reviews

This Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make meal perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring tender chicken, gluten-free pasta, marinara sauce, and a golden, crispy breadcrumb topping, this dish combines classic Italian flavors with a convenient one-dish bake. The casserole is baked to bubbly perfection with melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, making it a satisfying and family-friendly dinner option.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Pasta

  • 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

Sauce and Seasonings

  • 5 cups marinara sauce (about 40 oz)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Breadcrumb Topping

  • 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

Cheeses and Garnish

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional or dairy-free alternative)
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (dairy-free if needed)
  • Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In the greased baking dish, combine the cubed chicken, uncooked gluten-free pasta, marinara sauce, chicken broth, cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, and seasonings. Stir everything gently to combine. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes to allow the ingredients to meld and the pasta to start cooking.
  3. Prepare Breadcrumb Topping: While the casserole bakes, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the gluten-free breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt. Toast the mixture, stirring frequently, until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and fragrant, creating a flavorful crust for the dish.
  4. Add Cheese and Topping: After the initial baking, remove the casserole from the oven and take off the foil. Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, then add the toasted breadcrumb mixture to form a crispy topping layer.
  5. Final Bake: Return the casserole uncovered to the oven and bake an additional 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, golden brown, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) ensuring it is safely cooked through.
  6. Cool and Garnish: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired, and sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top for a bright, fresh flavor.

Notes

  • For perfectly cooked pasta, aim for an al dente texture before baking by using the recommended baking time.
  • Use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time and simplify the recipe.
  • For an even golden and crispy topping, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching closely to avoid burning.
  • Drizzling a little olive oil over the top before baking can enhance the richness and help the breadcrumb topping toast beautifully.

Keywords: chicken parmesan casserole, gluten-free casserole, cheesy chicken bake, easy Italian dinner, gluten-free pasta bake, mozzarella chicken casserole, baked chicken parmesan

Find it online: https://busyrecipe.com/cheesy-chicken-parmesan-casserole-recipe/