If you love something, make it as a casserole. I love Chicken Parmesan, so…
Another casserole?
Yes. Absolutely!
I don't apologize for loving dishes that are easy to make and easy to eat. Casseroles are incredible.
Try one of my others, like the pizza pasta casserole or this cheesy hashbrown casserole, and you'll see what I mean.
Chicken Parmesan Casserole
So what makes me think I should take Chicken Parmesan (or Chicken Parmigiana, as it's also called) and change it into a pasta bake? What good will come of messing with something that's already so popular?
You seem to have a lot of questions. I have basically one answer: try it! I promise you won't be disappointed, and you may even gain some new members on #teamchickenparm once you share it with others.
Chicken Parmesan casserole ingredients
What's involved with making a chicken parmesan casserole? You've come to the right place. Here's the ingredient breakdown:
- chickpea noodles
- grilled chicken tenderloin
- pasta sauce
- parmesan cheese
- panko
- mozzarella cheese
- ricotta
- Optional toppings: fresh basil; red pepper flakes
Yes, your favorite parts of chicken parm–the chicken, the cheese, the breading, the sauce—are all preserved, with the bonus of a deliciously hearty pasta base and a 1-2 punch of ricotta and mozzarella to complement the parmesan.
So it's all there, and more. And it's darn good.
How do you make chicken parmesan casserole?
Another great thing about casseroles: sometimes it's just nice to mix some things together and pop them in the oven.
Basically, once you have your chicken cooked (however you prefer) and your pasta done (according to package instructions), everything's going to make its way into the casserole dish. Here's the full detail:
Prep
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Heat a large pot of water over the stove. Prepare noodles according to package.
- Grease a casserole dish and set aside.
- Strain pasta noodles.
- Add noodles to a large bowl. Add pasta sauce and chicken. Stir until combined.
- Pour ½ the pasta mixture into the casserole dish.
- Using a spoon, scoop dollops of ricotta onto the pasta.
- Finish adding the pasta mixture.
- Top with mozzarella cheese.
- In a small bowl, mix parmesan and panko together.
- Sprinkle the parmesan & panko mixture on top of the casserole.
- Spritz with cooking spray to help brown the panko in the oven.
Bake
- Bake at 350 for about 15 mins.
- Sprinkle with fresh, chopped basil. Add additional red pepper flakes.
What goes best with chicken parmesan?
You can have chicken parmesan all by itself, but why limit the fun? Maybe serve it Aussie style with chips (fries) and a salad. You can also serve it on top of pasta, which is technically what's been done here.
This casserole in particular would pair nicely with some fresh greens and some favorite fruits.
Should I cover chicken parm in the oven?
This casserole does not need to be covered in the oven before you bake it in the oven. Moisture from the cheese and cooked pasta will help the chicken retain moisture and avoid drying out. So save the foil for another time!
What is the difference between Chicken Parmigiana and Chicken Parmesan?
These are two different terms for the same thing. I guess that means you could call this a Chicken Parmigiana Casserole, but there's no need to confuse yourself. Just make it and enjoy it!
What cheese do you use in chicken parmesan?
Chicken Parmesan dishes usually have some combination of parmesan (ha) and mozzarella cheeses. This is a great combo! But the ricotta cheese in this chicken parmesan casserole really takes things to the next level.
Need more recipes?
I've got you covered:
Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 box chickpea noodles 8 oz, uncooked, Banza pasta
- 1 lb grilled chicken tenderloin cooked, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1 jar pasta sauce 24 oz, tomato & basil flavor
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese 30g
- ¼ cup panko 14g
- ½ cup reduced-fat mozzarella cheese shredded (56 g)
- ½ cup skim-fat ricotta 124 g
- Optional toppings: fresh basil red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Heat a large pot of water over the stove. Prepare noodles according to package.
- Grease a casserole dish and set aside.
- Strain pasta noodles.
- Add noodles to a large bowl. Add pasta sauce and chicken. Stir until combined.
- Pour ½ the pasta mixture into the casserole dish.
- Using a spoon, scoop dollops of ricotta onto the pasta.
- Finish adding the pasta mixture.
- Top with mozzarella cheese.
- In a small bowl, mix parmesan and panko together.
- Sprinkle the parmesan & panko mixture on top of the casserole.
- Spritz with cooking spray to help brown the panko in the oven.
- Bake at 350 for about 15 mins.
- Sprinkle with fresh, chopped basil. Add additional red pepper flakes.
Notes
- 1 serving of the recipe is about 293 grams.
- I used 8 oz Chickpea pasta. You can substitute for regular pasta but double check the box of pasta you’re using so you use the correct amount of sauce so it’s not dry.
- If you’re needing to cook chicken for this recipe, 1.5 lbs of raw chicken will make about 1 lbs cooked chicken.
- I use a 8 x 13 dish.
- To track in MyFitnessPal, search "Jordo's World Chicken Parmesan Casserole"
Michele says
Do you know if this casserole freezes well? Looking for good freezer meals for when baby #4 comes:)
Jordan Smith says
Hi Michele, yes you can freeze this recipe! Congrats on baby #4!
Sarah says
so good and so easy!
Meghan says
Such a good and easy dinner. Even my picky eaters like it!