Crispy Cheesy Parmesan Pasta Bake with Chicken Recipe
This Parmesan Pasta Bake is a deliciously crispy and cheesy casserole featuring penne pasta, tender chicken, rich marinara sauce, and a golden breadcrumb topping. Perfect as a comforting family dinner, it combines layers of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses with a buttery, garlicky panko crust for irresistible texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein
- 16 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked, bite-sized chicken (skinless and boneless)
Sauces and Cheese
- 4 cups marinara sauce
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Breadcrumb Topping
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Seasonings and Garnish
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking your pasta dish.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, salt it generously, and cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and return the pasta to the pot.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked chicken, marinara sauce, 1½ cups of mozzarella cheese, and ½ cup of Parmesan cheese to the pasta. Mix everything thoroughly and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Prepare Breadcrumb Topping: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and panko breadcrumbs, toasting them for 3–4 minutes while stirring occasionally to achieve a golden, fragrant topping. Remove from heat once toasted.
- Assemble Bake: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the pasta and chicken mixture evenly in the dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1½ cups of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Top with Parmesan Breadcrumbs: Combine the remaining ½ cup of Parmesan cheese with the toasted breadcrumb mixture. Evenly sprinkle this mixture over the cheese layer.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil sprayed with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: If desired, sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the hot bake before serving. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Using day-old bread for panko crumbs or making your own adds extra crunch.
- The dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and increase the cheese or add vegetables like mushrooms or spinach.
- Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave.
- Adjust salt according to the saltiness of your marinara sauce and cheeses.
Keywords: parmesan pasta bake, baked chicken pasta, cheesy pasta casserole, penne bake, crispy breadcrumb pasta, easy pasta bake, weeknight dinner
