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Easy Chicken Parmesan Casserole: Your New 30-Minute Family Favorite

This easy chicken parmesan casserole delivers all the comforting flavors of classic chicken parmesan without the time-consuming breading and frying. It combines tender chicken, rich marinara sauce, and melty mozzarella cheese in a convenient casserole dish that comes together in just 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 485
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 24 oz jar of quality marinara sauce
  • 8 oz penne pasta (or your favorite short pasta)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cooked chicken, and marinara sauce. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
  4. Transfer the chicken and pasta mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, then the parmesan cheese, and finally the remaining mozzarella.
  5. Bake uncovered at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly. For extra browning, broil for the last 2-3 minutes.

Notes

Perfect for meal prep - assemble the night before and refrigerate. For extra crunch, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over cheese before baking.