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Chicken parmesan casserole with golden melted mozzarella and crispy breaded chicken in a white baking dish

Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Crispy breaded chicken strips, rigatoni pasta, warm marinara sauce, and layers of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese baked together into one hearty comfort casserole. Can be assembled up to 2 days ahead of time.
Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8 portions
Course: Casserole, Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 599

Ingredients
  

  • 3/4 lb rigatoni pasta or penne
  • 32 oz marinara sauce up to 48 oz for saucier result; Rao's recommended
  • 3 cups shredded low-moisture whole milk mozzarella cheese divided; shred fresh from block for best melt
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese divided
  • 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp seasoned salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 eggs whisked
  • 1 1/2 cups Italian breadcrumbs
  • 3/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • fresh parsley to garnish

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch casserole dish
  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • 3 shallow bowls for breading station
  • Kitchen tongs
  • Paper towels

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish and set aside.
  2. Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook rigatoni for 1 minute less than the package al dente time. Drain, return to pot, and toss with 32 oz marinara sauce, 2 tablespoons Parmesan, and 1 cup mozzarella. Set aside.
  3. Pat chicken dry and cut into strips about 1/2 inch thick. Set up breading station: Bowl 1 with flour, seasoned salt, and pepper. Bowl 2 with whisked eggs. Bowl 3 with Italian breadcrumbs.
  4. Dredge each chicken strip through flour, then egg, then press firmly into breadcrumbs until fully coated. Gently flatten each piece with your palm.
  5. Add 1/4 inch of vegetable oil and butter to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, carefully lower chicken strips in batches using tongs. Do not overcrowd. Cook about 4 minutes per side until deep golden brown. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
  6. Spread half the pasta mixture into the baking dish. Top with half the chicken, 2 tablespoons Parmesan, and 1 cup mozzarella. Add remaining pasta, then top with remaining chicken, Parmesan, and mozzarella.
  7. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes until hot and bubbling. For a crispier browned top, increase oven to 425 degrees F and bake for 5 more minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

Notes

Shred mozzarella fresh from a block for best melting results. Frozen chicken tenders can be used as a shortcut; slice and add directly with no baking time adjustments. For rotisserie chicken, skip breading and mix 1 cup breadcrumbs with 1/3 cup melted butter, sprinkle over top, bake at 375 F for last 10 minutes. Make-ahead: assemble up to 2 days ahead, refrigerate, let sit 30 minutes at room temp, cover and bake 15 minutes, then uncover and bake 25 more minutes. Add extra marinara before reheating to prevent dryness.