High Protein Chicken Parmesan Casserole (An Easy Recipe)

Oh, friends, there’s nothing quite like gathering around a table filled with good food and even better company! Today, I’m absolutely delighted to share a dish that brings comfort and joy in every single bite: our High Protein Recipe Chicken Parmesan Casserole. It’s a wonderful fusion of classic flavors, transformed into a hearty, wholesome meal that truly feels like a warm hug from the inside out.

I remember countless afternoons in my grandmother’s kitchen, where the aroma of garlic and simmering tomatoes filled the air. She believed in meals that nourished both body and soul, and while this wasn’t one of her specific recipes, the spirit of creating something wholesome and delicious for loved ones is exactly what she taught me. It’s that same feeling of love and care that I pour into every dish I share with you all.

This casserole is not only incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights, but it’s also wonderfully family-friendly, appealing to even the pickiest eaters. To make sure your chicken stays tender and juicy, I always recommend a quick brine if you have the time – it makes all the difference!

What You Need to Make This Recipe

To create this satisfying High Protein Recipe Chicken Parmesan Casserole, you’ll need a delightful array of ingredients. Juicy boneless, skinless chicken breasts are breaded and baked, then layered with high-protein pasta, a creamy cottage cheese mixture, and rich marinara. It’s truly a treat that combines hearty ingredients for a comforting meal. You’ll find the complete list and exact measurements in the recipe card below.

How to Make High Protein Recipe Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Crafting this High Protein Recipe Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a simple, rewarding journey. First, prepare your chicken by coating it in a flavorful breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, then bake until golden. Next, boil your high-protein pasta and whip up the creamy cottage cheese filling. Finally, layer everything beautifully in a baking dish with low-sugar marinara and part-skim mozzarella, then bake until bubbly and irresistible.

High Protein Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Enjoy a healthier, protein-packed twist on classic chicken parmesan, layered with high-protein pasta, savory marinara, tender baked chicken, and a creamy, cheesy cottage cheese mixture, all baked to golden perfection.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian-American

Calories: 580

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts thinly sliced or pounded to 1/2-inch thick cutlets
• 1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp salt or to taste
• 1/4 tsp black pepper or to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil divided

For the Pasta & Cheese Mixture

• 12 oz high-protein pasta e.g., lentil, chickpea, or fortified wheat penne or ziti
• 15 oz low-fat cottage cheese small curd preferred
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 large egg lightly beaten
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp salt

For Assembly

• 24 oz low-sugar marinara sauce
• 2 cups part-skim mozzarella cheese shredded

Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Large Pot
• Large Skillet or Air Fryer
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk

Method

 

Prepare the Chicken

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line with parchment paper. If using an air fryer, preheat to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a shallow dish, combine the whole wheat breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Dredge each chicken cutlet in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating. Drizzle or brush each coated cutlet with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
4. Arrange the chicken cutlets on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C). If using an air fryer, cook in batches for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through. Set aside.

Cook Pasta & Prepare Cheese Mixture

1. While the chicken bakes, cook the high-protein pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and return to the pot.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the cottage cheese, the remaining 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, beaten egg, garlic powder, and salt. Mix thoroughly.

Assemble the Casserole

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Spread about 1/2 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
3. Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish, spreading it evenly over the marinara. Top with the cottage cheese mixture, spreading it over the pasta.
4. Arrange the cooked chicken cutlets over the cottage cheese layer. Spoon the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the chicken.
5. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top of the casserole.

Bake

1. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. If desired, you can broil for the last 1-2 minutes for extra browning, watching carefully to prevent burning.
2. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

For an extra protein boost in the sauce, you can stir 1/4 cup of unflavored whey protein isolate into a small amount of warm marinara before mixing it into the main sauce, ensuring no lumps. This casserole is excellent for meal prep; simply divide into individual portions and store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It reheats well in the microwave or oven.

Pro Tips for Making This High Protein Recipe Chicken Parmesan Casserole

When it comes to bringing out the best in any dish, a few little secrets can make all the difference, and this High Protein Recipe Chicken Parmesan Casserole is no exception! To truly master your High Protein Recipe Chicken Parmesan Casserole, let’s dive into some of my most cherished kitchen wisdom.

My Secret Trick: I always make sure to lightly toast the whole wheat breadcrumbs before coating the chicken. A few minutes in a dry pan over medium heat, and they become wonderfully fragrant and crispy, adding an extra layer of texture to your chicken.

Don’t rush the baking process! While it’s tempting to pull it out early, allowing the casserole to truly bubble and brown around the edges ensures all those lovely flavors meld together perfectly and the cheese gets gloriously melty.

When preparing your cottage cheese mixture, make sure to use a large egg to bind it all together. This creates a beautifully creamy and cohesive layer that adds so much to the casserole’s texture and richness.

Fun Variations for High Protein Recipe Chicken Parmesan Casserole

One of the joys of cooking is making a recipe truly your own, and this High Protein Recipe Chicken Parmesan Casserole is wonderfully adaptable! Here are a few ways you can put your unique spin on this comforting dish.

Veggie Boost

My friend Sarah, who loves to sneak in extra greens, always asks me to add a layer of sautéed spinach or finely diced bell peppers into the casserole. You could also stir in some roasted zucchini or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrients.

Spicy Kick

If you adore a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to your breadcrumb mixture or even into the marinara sauce. Just a little bit can warm things up beautifully!

Cheese Lover’s Dream

While the recipe calls for part-skim mozzarella and Parmesan, don’t be afraid to experiment with other cheeses! A sprinkle of smoked provolone or a creamy fontina could add a unique depth of flavor that’s simply delightful.

What to Serve With High Protein Recipe Chicken Parmesan Casserole

This hearty High Protein Recipe Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a complete meal in itself, but sometimes a little something extra can elevate the whole dining experience! My mom always says a balanced meal is a happy meal, and I wholeheartedly agree.

For a fresh contrast, I love serving it with a simple crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. The bright, tangy notes cut through the richness of the casserole beautifully. It’s an easy side that adds a lovely pop of color and freshness.

Garlic bread or a crusty Italian loaf is always a wonderful accompaniment, perfect for soaking up any extra marinara sauce. It’s a classic pairing for a reason, bringing that comforting, traditional Italian-American restaurant feel right to your kitchen.

For a really quick and easy addition, steamed green beans or asparagus, lightly seasoned with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon, make a fantastic vibrant side dish. They’re simple, wholesome, and complement the robust flavors of the casserole without overwhelming them.

How to Store High Protein Recipe Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Knowing how to properly store your leftovers ensures every bite of this High Protein Recipe Chicken Parmesan Casserole tastes just as wonderful as the first! It’s all about preserving those delightful flavors.

Fridge Storage

Once cooled, transfer any leftover casserole to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I like to press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing the container – it helps keep everything moist and fresh.

Freezing Tips

For longer storage, this casserole freezes remarkably well! Wrap individual portions or the entire dish (if unbaked, or baked and cooled) tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat, simply warm individual portions in the microwave until heated through, or place larger portions in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) until bubbly and hot, about 20-30 minutes. If it looks a little dry, a splash of extra marinara can bring it right back to life!

Nutritional Benefits

This High Protein Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a fantastic way to enjoy a comforting meal while also fueling your body. Packed with lean protein from the chicken and cottage cheese, it’s a satisfying option. It’s a wonderful example of how simple ingredients can come together for a treat that’s both indulgent and nourishing.

FAQs

What kind of pasta works best for this casserole?

I always recommend a high-protein pasta like whole wheat penne or ziti for this High Protein Recipe Chicken Parmesan Casserole. Their sturdy shape holds up beautifully to baking, and they add extra fiber and protein to the dish.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire High Protein Recipe Chicken Parmesan Casserole up to a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

My best tip is to not overcook the chicken during its initial bake. It will continue to cook in the casserole. Also, covering the casserole with foil for the first part of baking helps keep the chicken wonderfully moist.

Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes, it is! Simply swap the whole wheat breadcrumbs for a gluten-free alternative and use your favorite gluten-free high-protein pasta. The rest of the High Protein Recipe Chicken Parmesan Casserole ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Conclusion

And there you have it, dear friends! This High Protein Recipe Chicken Parmesan Casserole truly embodies everything I love about homemade meals: it’s hearty, incredibly flavorful, and brings a wonderful sense of warmth to any table. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, combined with a little love and patience, can create magical treats that nourish and bring people together. I genuinely hope you’ll gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and create some sweet memories around this comforting dish. Happy baking!