Chicken Parmesan Casserole
This Easy Chicken Parmesan Casserole takes all the best parts of the classic dish – ooey-gooey mozzarella, crispy breadcrumbs, and plenty of rich tomato sauce – and turns them into a simple, healthy, family-friendly casserole. Made with whole-wheat pasta, lean chicken, and a homemade sauce, it's comfort food you can feel good about. For another delicious and healthy casserole, try our Creamy Chicken Enchiladas.
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 412kcal
Equipment
- 9x13 inch Baking Dish For baking the casserole.
- Large Skillet For making the sauce.
- Large Pot For cooking the pasta.
Ingredients
- 8 oz whole-wheat rotini
- 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 3 cans (15 oz each) no-salt-added crushed tomatoes
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 0.75 tsp crushed red pepper
- 0.5 tsp dried basil
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rotini according to package directions until al dente. Drain.
- Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring, until starting to soften, about 3 minutes.
- Add crushed tomatoes, garlic powder, oregano, crushed red pepper, basil, and salt. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring, until warmed through, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in cooked rotini and shredded chicken. Transfer to prepared baking dish and top with mozzarella.
- In a small bowl, stir together panko, Parmesan, parsley, and remaining 2 tablespoons oil. Sprinkle over casserole.
- Bake until hot and topping is golden, 25-30 minutes. Let rest 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Pro Tips: Cook the pasta just until al dente – it will continue to cook in the oven. For the best melt, shred your own mozzarella cheese from a block. If the topping is browning too quickly, tent the casserole loosely with foil. To deepen the tomato flavor, add a tablespoon of tomato paste with the onions. This casserole is perfect for making ahead – assemble it a day in advance and bake when ready.