Name: 30-Minute Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 1 egg; Heaping ¼ cup Italian breadcrumbs; ¾ cup grated Parmesan, divided (plus extra for garnish); 16 oz. rotini pasta; 4 cups spaghetti sauce; 1 tsp dried oregano; ½ tsp garlic powder; 16 oz. shredded mozzarella; Vegetable oil for frying; Fresh parsley for garnish

Are you craving an Italian classic that’s both hearty and comforting? Look no further than the 30-Minute Chicken Parmesan Casserole! This delightful dish brings together tender chicken breasts, al dente pasta, rich spaghetti sauce, and gooey cheese for a meal that’s absolutely satisfying. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your family and friends, this Chicken Parmesan Casserole hits all the right notes. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, requiring just one pan for cooking and an oven to finish it off!

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With everyday ingredients and an incredibly brief cooking time of just 30 minutes, you can serve up a homemade version that is far superior to takeout. The crispy breaded chicken sits atop a comforting bed of pasta enveloped in flavorful spaghetti sauce, topped with melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Each bite bursts with flavor, making it an instant favorite for both kids and adults. Let’s dive into this delicious casserole that’s sure to become a regular in your mealtime rotation!

Why You’ll Love This 30-Minute Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Quick Preparation: With just a 30-minute total cooking time, this recipe is perfect for busy nights.
Deliciously Comforting: The combination of chicken, pasta, and cheese is a crowd-pleaser that satisfies all appetites.
One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required since the dish can be prepared in a single sauté pan before transferring to the oven.
Versatile Ingredients: Use whatever pasta you have on hand, swap out the chicken for another protein, or add vegetables to make it your own.
Cheesy Goodness: The melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese add that irresistible cheesy touch to finish the dish beautifully.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you embark on creating this delightful Chicken Parmesan Casserole, it’s essential to prepare your workspace for success. First, ensure your kitchen is clean and organized. Gather all your ingredients: chicken breasts, pasta, spaghetti sauce, and cheeses to avoid any last-minute scrambles. To make your cooking process efficient, have your oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when the casserole needs to bake.

You’ll also want to gather essential kitchen tools: a large sauté pan for frying the chicken, a pot for boiling the pasta, and a baking dish to combine and finish your casserole. Using thin-sliced chicken breasts will save you prep time, and having separate shallow bowls for breading the chicken can simplify the process. Finally, measure out your ingredients ahead of time to streamline your cooking experience.

Ingredients

1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
¼ cup all-purpose flour
1 egg
Heaping ¼ cup Italian breadcrumbs
¾ cup grated Parmesan, divided (plus extra for garnish)
16 oz. rotini pasta
4 cups spaghetti sauce
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp garlic powder
16 oz. shredded mozzarella
Vegetable oil for frying
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by cooking the rotini pasta according to package instructions, but stop one minute before it reaches the al dente stage. This slight undercooking will allow the pasta to finish cooking while baked in the casserole, preventing a mushy texture. After draining, toss the pasta with a drizzle of olive oil and season it with salt and pepper to add flavor right from the start.

Step 2: Bread the Chicken

Next, prepare the chicken for frying. Slice the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thin cutlets that cook quickly and evenly. Set up your breading station by placing flour in one shallow bowl, a beaten egg in another, and a mixture of breadcrumbs, garlic powder, oregano, and a ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese in the third bowl. Dredge each chicken cutlet in flour first, then dip it into the egg, allowing excess to drip off before coating it with the breadcrumb mixture. This method creates a deliciously crispy texture when fried.

Step 3: Pan-Fry the Chicken

Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the breaded chicken cutlets to the pan. Fry the cutlets for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once ready, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Let them rest while you prepare the casserole mixture.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

In a baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, spaghetti sauce, half a cup of Parmesan cheese, and 4 oz. of shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir the mixture gently to ensure an even distribution of ingredients. Slice the fried chicken into strips and place them evenly on top of the pasta mixture. Lastly, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the assembled casserole to create a gooey, cheesy topping.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pop the casserole in your preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and everything is heated through. If you desire a crispy, golden top, you can broil it for an additional 1-2 minutes, but keep a close eye to ensure it doesn’t burn. Once out of the oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if preferred, then serve warm.

Variations

Protein: Substitute chicken with turkey, or for a vegetarian option, use eggplant or mushrooms.
Vegetables: Add sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to incorporate more veggies.
Spices: Enhance the flavor with red pepper flakes for a spice kick, or add herbs like basil or thyme.

Cooking Notes

Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken; this helps achieve a crispy crust.
Do not overcrowd the pan while frying; cook cutlets in batches if necessary.
For optimal taste, let the baked casserole sit for a few minutes before serving, allowing cheese to set slightly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a fresh garden salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette for a light side.
Pair with garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired meal that everyone will love.

Tips

For less mess while breading, consider using the “dry hand/wet hand” method: use one hand for dry ingredients (flour and breadcrumbs) and the other for wet (egg).
If you have an oven-safe sauté pan, you can seamlessly move from the stovetop to the oven without dirtying an additional dish.
Want to make it a full meal? Consider adding a side of roasted veggies or a comforting soup to start!

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 400 per serving
Protein: 28g
Sodium: 850mg

FAQs

Is Chicken Parmesan always served with pasta?

Traditionally, yes—often with spaghetti. In this casserole, pasta is baked in, making it even easier to enjoy!

How do you keep Chicken Parmesan crispy in a casserole?

Fry the breaded chicken until deeply golden brown. A crisp crust holds up much better in the oven and resists getting soggy in the sauce.

Can I make this Chicken Parmesan Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole earlier in the day and store it covered in the refrigerator before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to baking time when you’re ready to cook.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

To reheat leftovers, warm in a 350°F oven covered with foil until heated through (about 15–20 minutes). Individual portions can also be microwaved for convenience.

Conclusion

This 30-Minute Chicken Parmesan Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s an experience filled with comfort and flavor that can be enjoyed by family and friends. The harmony of chicken, pasta, and cheese creates a dish that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Plus, with its simple preparation and delicious result, you’ll want to make it again and again. Don’t forget to experiment with different proteins, spices, and veggies to make it your own! We encourage you to try this recipe, share it with others, and let us know your favorite modifications. Happy cooking!