Creamy Parmesan Chicken Casserole
Craving a hearty and comforting meal? Look no further than this creamy Parmesan chicken casserole. Packed with flavor and easy to make, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner or family-friendly dish.
This classic casserole combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and cheesy pasta for a truly satisfying experience. The crispy breadcrumb topping adds a delightful crunch, while the Parmesan cheese delivers a rich, savory flavor.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is sure to impress. It’s also incredibly versatile. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms, to boost the nutritional value and create a customized dish.
Serve this delectable casserole with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. It’s guaranteed to become a family favorite!
Questions I often get asked about this recipe:
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne, rotini, and macaroni are classic choices, but feel free to experiment with other shapes like shells, elbow macaroni, or even whole-wheat pasta for a healthier option.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used. They tend to be juicier, so you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
What can I serve with this casserole?
This casserole pairs well with a variety of sides, including a green salad, steamed broccoli, or garlic bread.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To make this recipe healthier, you can use low-fat or fat-free cream of chicken soup, skim milk, and whole-wheat pasta. You can also add more vegetables like broccoli or spinach.
What you need to make Creamy Parmesan Chicken Casserole:
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced
1 cup cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or macaroni)
1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
1 cup milk
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1/4 cup bread crumbs
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
How to make it:
Preheat oven: to 375°F (190°C).
Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, pasta, cream of chicken soup, milk, and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Stir until well combined.
Season: Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
Prepare baking dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
Top with bread crumbs: In a small bowl, combine bread crumbs, remaining Parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
Serve: Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips:
Precook your chicken: For a quicker and easier meal, precook your chicken breasts and shred them before assembling the casserole. This will significantly reduce your prep time.
Elevate the flavor: Add a touch of Dijon mustard to the cream of chicken soup for a subtle tangy kick that complements the Parmesan cheese perfectly.
Crispy perfection: For an extra crispy topping, pulse the bread crumbs in a food processor before combining with the melted butter and Parmesan cheese.
Latest Reviews:
This casserole is pure comfort food! The creamy sauce and cheesy pasta are a perfect combination. My family loved it. So easy to make too. Definitely a keeper. Katie M.
This Parmesan chicken casserole is a hit! The flavors blend beautifully and the breadcrumb topping adds a nice crunch.Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. Will be making this again soon. John M.
This recipe is a winner! The chicken was tender and the sauce was rich and creamy. I added some broccoli for extra veggies and it was delicious. Highly recommend! Stacey I.
Printable Recipe:
Creamy Parmesan Chicken Casserole
Creamy Parmesan Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 1 cup cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or macaroni)
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven: to 375°F (190°C).
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, pasta, cream of chicken soup, milk, and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Stir until well combined.
- Season: Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Prepare baking dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Top with bread crumbs: In a small bowl, combine bread crumbs, remaining Parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve: Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
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