Name: Hearty High Protein Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded; 8 oz high-protein pasta (chickpea or lentil pasta), cooked al dente; 2 cups marinara sauce; 1 ½ cups part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded; ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated; ½ cup low-fat ricotta or cottage cheese (optional); 1 tsp Italian seasoning; ½ tsp garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (optional); Olive oil spray or drizzle; Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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This hearty high protein chicken Parmesan casserole is a comfort food classic made easier and more nutritious. It layers juicy chicken, high-protein pasta, savory marinara, and gooey melted cheese into one baked dish that’s packed with flavor and protein. It’s everything I love about chicken Parm—minus the frying and extra mess.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s filling, cheesy, and has that perfect crispy topping—yet it still supports my high-protein goals. It’s great for family dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd. With simple ingredients and easy prep, this casserole brings all the flavor without the fuss of traditional chicken Parmesan. Hearty High Protein Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

cooked chicken breast (diced or shredded)
high-protein pasta (like chickpea or lentil pasta, cooked al dente)
marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
part-skim mozzarella cheese (shredded)
Parmesan cheese (grated)
low-fat ricotta or cottage cheese (optional for creamy texture)
Italian seasoning
garlic powder
salt and pepper
panko breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
olive oil spray or drizzle (for crisping the top)
fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 casserole dish.
In a large bowl, I combine the cooked pasta, chicken, marinara sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
I stir in half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. If I’m using ricotta or cottage cheese, I fold that in here too for extra creaminess.
I pour the mixture into the casserole dish and spread it evenly.
I top it with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan, then sprinkle panko breadcrumbs for a crispy top.
I lightly spray or drizzle with olive oil and bake for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
I let it rest for a few minutes before serving and garnish with fresh herbs.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings. It takes 15–20 minutes to prep and 25–30 minutes to bake, so it’s ready in under an hour.

Variations

Sometimes I add sautéed spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies. For more flavor, I mix a little pesto or red pepper flakes into the sauce. I’ve also made it dairy-free using vegan cheese and skipped the breadcrumbs for a lower-carb version. If I want even more protein, I add white beans or top it with a sprinkle of hemp seeds before baking.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats well in the microwave or oven. I also freeze it in individual portions for up to 2 months—great for meal prep. To reheat from frozen, I thaw overnight and bake at 350°F until heated through. Hearty High Protein Chicken Parmesan Casserole

FAQs

What kind of chicken works best?

I use cooked chicken breast—either shredded, diced, or even rotisserie chicken. It’s lean and high in protein.

Can I use regular pasta?

Yes, but I prefer high-protein pasta like chickpea or lentil pasta for added nutrition and fiber.

Can I make this ahead?

Absolutely. I assemble the casserole ahead of time, refrigerate it, and bake when ready. I just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

How do I keep the top crispy?

I use panko breadcrumbs and a light spray of olive oil. Broiling the last 2–3 minutes adds a great golden crunch.

Is this casserole kid-friendly?

Very! It has all the flavors of chicken Parm that kids love, and I can even sneak in veggies without them noticing.

Conclusion

This hearty high protein chicken Parmesan casserole is a satisfying, easy-to-make dish that delivers on flavor, nutrition, and comfort. Whether I’m feeding the family or prepping meals for the week, it’s a reliable go-to that makes eating healthy feel indulgent and delicious.