Parmesan Pasta Bake That’s Crispy, Cheesy, and Crowd-Pleasing Recipe
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.
- 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
Scale
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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking your pasta.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
