Last updated on November 18th, 2025 at 06:21 pm
Comforting, easy, and delicious
Warm, cheesy, and satisfying, this Rotisserie Chicken Parmesan Casserole brings the essence of Italian comfort food right to your dining table. The rich aroma of sautéed garlic mingling with marinara sauce invites family and friends to gather around. Layers of tender rotisserie chicken, creamy mozzarella, and tangy Parmesan cheese create a harmony of flavors that truly comforts the soul. This dish balances crispy breadcrumbs on top with a creamy, savory filling, making each bite a delightful experience. It’s an uncomplicated recipe that makes the best use of store-bought rotisserie chicken, allowing for a quick assembly without sacrificing taste or quality.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole is as practical as it is delicious. Utilizing rotisserie chicken means you can have this hearty meal ready in no time. The depth of flavor from the marinara sauce complements the juicy chicken perfectly, while the combination of melted mozzarella and Parmesan provides a warm, gooey texture that contrasts beautifully with the crunch of the breadcrumb topping. Not only is this dish perfect for busy weeknights, but it also makes for fantastic leftovers that taste even better the next day. Simply reheat, and enjoy the harmony of flavors once more.
Time Breakdown
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients List
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 24 oz (≈680 g) jar of marinara sauce
- 12 oz (≈340 g) uncooked pasta (penne or rotini work well)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 Tbsp olive oil (for breadcrumbs)
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Optional: fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Optional: extra cheese for topping
Kitchen Tools
Preparing this casserole is straightforward, requiring only basic kitchen tools. They’ll keep the process organized and stress-free.
- Large pot
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your casserole cooks evenly and achieves that perfect golden brown on top.
- In a large pot, combine the shredded rotisserie chicken and marinara sauce. Stir in the minced garlic and season with salt and pepper. Warm the mixture over medium heat for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. You’ll notice the inviting aroma as it heats.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside. This will create a hearty base for your casserole.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the chicken and marinara mixture, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan. Stir gently until well combined. The texture will be creamy and deliciously rich.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Pressing the cheese down slightly ensures it melts beautifully.
- In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the olive oil and dried Italian seasoning. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole. This will create a delightful crunch when baked.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown. The casserole will emit an enticing aroma as it cooks.
- Once done, remove from the oven and allow it to sit for a few minutes before serving. This waiting time helps the casserole set, making it easier to slice. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Pro Tips
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the chicken mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
- For a little heat, include crushed red pepper flakes in the marinara sauce.
- Allow leftovers to cool before storing in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain texture.
- This casserole can also be assembled ahead of time and baked later, making it great for meal prep.
Comfort Food, Made Simple
This Rotisserie Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create a warm, satisfying meal. It’s perfect for family dinners and offers the kind of comfort that lingers long after the meal is over. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this dish proves that gourmet comfort can be simple and satisfying.
Nutrition Table
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 800 mg |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Rotisserie Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 24 oz jar of marinara sauce ≈680 g
- 12 oz uncooked pasta (penne or rotini) ≈340 g
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Topping ingredients
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 Tbsp olive oil for breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
Seasonings
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Garnish (Optional)
- to taste fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- to taste extra cheese for topping
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large pot, combine the shredded rotisserie chicken and marinara sauce. Stir in the minced garlic and season with salt and pepper. Warm the mixture over medium heat for about 5 minutes.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the chicken and marinara mixture, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan. Stir gently until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Assembly
- Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, pressing down slightly.
- In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the olive oil and dried Italian seasoning. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and allow it to sit for a few minutes before serving.
Serving
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
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