One Pot Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Are you craving the flavors of chicken parmesan but don’t want to deal with the mess and multiple steps? I’ve got just the solution for you! This One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta combines all those classic Italian flavors you love in a single dish that’s ready in about 30 minutes.
You’ll save tons of time with this easy chicken parmesan casserole because everything cooks together in one pot – the pasta, sauce, chicken and cheese meld into a delicious meal with minimal cleanup.
No more breading and frying chicken, then baking it separately with sauce and cheese. This version gives you all that flavor with much less work!
What You Need!
Making a delicious Chicken Parmesan Casserole is easy when you have all the right items on hand. I’ll share everything you need to create this tasty dish that combines pasta, chicken, sauce, and cheese for a family-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
For my favorite Chicken Parmesan Casserole, you’ll need:
- 16 ounces of pasta (rigatoni or penne work best)
- 1½ pounds of chicken (chunks or cooked and cut into pieces)
- 3 cups marinara sauce (about 24 ounces)
- 2-3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 3 cups water (if making a one-pot version)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 diced onion
- Optional: broccoli or other vegetables
I like to add a bit of Italian seasoning and garlic powder for extra flavor. If you’re feeling fancy, fresh basil makes a wonderful garnish.
Kitchen Tools
To prepare this one-pot wonder, you’ll need:
- 9×13 inch baking dish or casserole dish
- Large pot for boiling pasta (if not using the one-pot method)
- Strainer or colander
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife for cutting chicken (if using uncooked)
- Cutting board
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Aluminum foil to cover while baking
I find that a deeper baking dish works better than a shallow one to prevent overflow. If you’re using the true one-pot method, you’ll need an oven-safe pot or Dutch oven that can go from stovetop to oven.
Let’s Get Cooking
Making this One Pot Chicken Parmesan Casserole is super easy! I’ll show you how to prep, layer, and bake this delicious dish that’s ready in about 30 minutes.
Prepping the Ingredients
First, I gather everything I need for my chicken and pasta casserole. For this recipe, I use:
- 1 pound boneless chicken (diced or shredded)
- 2-3 cups dry pasta (penne or ziti work great!)
- 1 jar marinara sauce (about 24 oz)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Italian seasonings and garlic powder to taste
I start by cutting my chicken into bite-sized pieces. If I’m in a hurry, I sometimes use rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken instead!
The best part? No need to pre-cook the pasta for this one-pot wonder. That’s right – the pasta cooks directly in the casserole, soaking up all those amazing flavors.
Layering the Casserole
Now for the fun part – putting it all together! I grab my casserole dish (a 9×13 works perfectly) and start layering.
First, I spread about 1/2 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom. This prevents the pasta from sticking and burning.
Next, I add my dry pasta, followed by the chicken pieces. Then I pour the rest of the marinara sauce over everything, making sure to shake the jar well to get every last drop.
I pour about 2 cups of water over the mixture – this helps cook the pasta perfectly. Then I sprinkle Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and half the cheeses on top.
Baking the Casserole
Time to bake! I cover my casserole dish with foil and pop it into a preheated 375°F oven for about 20 minutes.
After that time, I carefully remove the foil (watch out for steam!) and check if the pasta is tender. If not, I cover it back up and bake for another 5-10 minutes.
Once the pasta is cooked, I sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and return it to the oven uncovered for about 5-10 minutes until the cheese gets bubbly and golden.
The best indicator that it’s done? When I see the edges bubbling and the cheese melted perfectly. I let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving to let everything set.
FAQ about One Pot Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Many home cooks have questions about preparing this delicious dish. I’ve gathered answers to the most common questions about ingredients, substitutions, and time-saving tricks.
What are the essential ingredients needed for a Chicken Parmesan Casserole?
For a basic Chicken Parmesan Casserole, you’ll need chicken, pasta, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. These form the foundation of this classic dish.
I always recommend using good quality chicken – either boneless, skinless breasts or thighs work great. You can even use pre-cooked chicken to save time.
For the pasta component, medium shapes like penne or ziti work best as they grab the sauce nicely. Don’t forget the breadcrumbs on top – they give that crispy texture that makes chicken parm so special!
How can I make a Chicken Parmesan Casserole without using pasta?
I love making pasta-free versions of this casserole! Try using roasted spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles as a low-carb alternative.
Cauliflower rice also works wonderfully as a base. Simply steam it lightly before adding to your casserole dish, then layer with chicken, sauce and cheese.
Another option is to focus entirely on the chicken. Layer chicken pieces with marinara and cheese in your baking dish, then top with breadcrumbs for that classic chicken parm experience without any pasta at all.
Check out some of our other favorite recipes too!
What’s the best way to incorporate rotisserie chicken into a Chicken Parmesan Casserole?
Using rotisserie chicken is my favorite time-saving hack! Simply shred or chop the meat and add it to your casserole.
Since it’s already cooked, you’ll just need to heat it through when baking.
I recommend removing the skin and using both white and dark meat for the best flavor.
One medium rotisserie chicken typically yields about 3-4 cups of meat, perfect for a family-sized casserole.
For extra flavor, save any drippings from the rotisserie chicken container and add them to your sauce. This small step adds amazing depth to the final dish without any extra work!
