Parmesan Pasta Bake That’s Crispy, Cheesy, and Crowd-Pleasing Recipe

Introduction

This Parmesan Pasta Bake is a comforting and delicious dish perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. With tender chicken, melted cheese, and a crispy breadcrumb topping, it’s sure to become a crowd favorite.

Ingredients

• 16 oz penne pasta
• 2 cups cooked, bite-sized chicken (skinless and boneless)
• 4 cups marinara sauce
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Step 2: In a large pot, bring water to a boil, salt it generously, and cook the penne according to the package instructions. Drain and return to the pot.
3. Step 3: Add the cooked chicken, marinara sauce, 1½ cups of mozzarella, and ½ cup of Parmesan to the pasta. Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Step 4: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the minced garlic and panko breadcrumbs. Toast for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden. Remove from heat.
5. Step 5: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the pasta mixture evenly in the dish, then top with the remaining 1½ cups of mozzarella cheese.
6. Step 6: Mix the remaining ½ cup of Parmesan cheese with the toasted breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the pasta.
7. Step 7: Cover the dish with foil sprayed with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. Bake for 30 minutes.
8. Step 8: Uncover and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
9. Step 9: Garnish with chopped fresh basil if desired. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add sautéed onions or bell peppers to the pasta mixture before baking.
• Use rotisserie chicken to save time in cooking and shredding the chicken yourself.
• Swap marinara sauce for a creamy Alfredo to make a different version of this bake.
• Try adding red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving to keep the crispy topping intact.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this bake ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish up to a day in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s chilled.

Can I freeze the Parmesan Pasta Bake?

This pasta bake can be frozen before baking. Assemble the dish, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

Parmesan Pasta Bake That’s Crispy, Cheesy, and Crowd-Pleasing Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 143 reviews

This Parmesan Pasta Bake is a delightful combination of al dente penne, tender chicken, and rich marinara sauce, all layered with melty mozzarella and sharp Parmesan cheeses. Topped with a crunchy garlic buttered panko breadcrumb crust and baked to golden perfection, this dish is crispy, cheesy, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Simple to prepare and full of comforting flavors, it makes an excellent family dinner or potluck centerpiece.

• Author: mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

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Pasta and Sauce

• 16 oz penne pasta
• 2 cups cooked, bite-sized chicken (skinless and boneless)
• 4 cups marinara sauce

Cheeses

• 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

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking your pasta.
2. Cook Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and return the pasta to the pot.
3. Combine Ingredients: To the cooked pasta, add the cooked chicken, marinara sauce, 1½ cups of shredded mozzarella, and ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until well combined. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
4. Prepare Breadcrumb Topping: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and panko breadcrumbs, stirring frequently. Toast the breadcrumbs for 3–4 minutes until golden and fragrant. Remove from heat.
5. Assemble the Bake: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the pasta mixture evenly in the dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1½ cups of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
6. Add Breadcrumb Mixture: Combine the remaining ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese with the toasted breadcrumbs from the skillet. Evenly sprinkle this mixture over the top of the pasta and cheese layer to create a crunchy topping.
7. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil that has been lightly sprayed with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
8. Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
9. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh basil if desired, then serve warm and enjoy your crispy, cheesy Parmesan pasta bake.

Notes

• Using bite-sized cooked chicken keeps the bake tender and flavorful. Rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken works well.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add more vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers.
• The toasted panko breadcrumb topping adds a delightful crunch; don’t skip this step!
• To prevent the foil from sticking to the cheese, spray with nonstick spray before covering the baking dish.
• This dish can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before baking—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Keywords: Parmesan pasta bake, cheesy pasta casserole, baked pasta with chicken, panko breadcrumb pasta, easy family dinner, comfort food pasta bake