Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole
If you’re craving cheesy comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen, this Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole is about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner. No breading, no frying, no standing over the stove just toss the ingredients into a baking dish, pop it in the oven, and let it work its magic.
With tender chicken, hearty pasta, rich marinara sauce, and plenty of melty cheese, this dish has all the flavors of classic chicken Parmesan but in an easier, family-friendly casserole form. Perfect for busy nights, meal prep, or when you want something cozy without a lot of effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless prep – Everything bakes together in one pan—no boiling pasta or pre-cooking chicken required.
- Family favorite – Cheesy, hearty, and comforting; even picky eaters will ask for seconds.
- Minimal cleanup – One dish means less time at the sink and more time at the table.
- Customizable – Easily add veggies, spices, or use your favorite pasta shape.
- Make-ahead friendly – Assemble it in advance, refrigerate, and bake when you’re ready.
Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Short on time? This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a one-pan, cheesy, comforting meal packed with tender chicken, pasta, and rich marinara.
Course: Dinner Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Prep Time: 10minutes minutes Cook Time: 40minutes minutes
Total Time: 50minutes minutes Servings: 8
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what goes into this delicious dump-and-bake chicken Parmesan casserole:
- Uncooked penne pasta – The pasta cooks right in the sauce, soaking up all the flavor.
- Marinara sauce – A jar of your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce keeps things quick and flavorful.
- Water – Helps cook the pasta as the casserole bakes.
- Salt & black pepper – Simple seasonings that bring everything together.
- Chicken breast – Cut into bite-sized pieces for tender protein in every bite.
- Mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully for that gooey, cheesy topping.
- Parmesan cheese – Adds sharp, nutty flavor to balance the mozzarella.
- Panko breadcrumbs – Creates the perfect golden-brown, crispy topping.
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional) – A garnish that adds color and a pop of fresh flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to make your own chicken Parmesan casserole:
- Preheat oven – Set to 425°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix ingredients – In the dish (or a separate bowl), combine uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, water, chicken, salt, and pepper. Add extra seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian herbs if you’d like.
- Cover and bake – Tightly cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. This allows the pasta to cook while keeping everything moist.
- Add topping – Remove foil, stir the mixture, then sprinkle with mozzarella, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs.
- Bake again – Return to the oven, uncovered, for 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Serve and enjoy – Garnish with basil or parsley, then scoop into bowls and dig in!
Tips for Success
- Don’t skip the foil: Covering is crucial for properly cooking the pasta.
- Test your pasta: After 30 minutes, check for doneness. It should be al dente, not mushy.
- Use a metal baking dish: Pasta cooks faster in metal pans than in glass or ceramic.
- Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for a little heat.
- Go cheesy: Use a blend of mozzarella, provolone, or fontina for extra gooey goodness.
Variations to Try
Want to switch things up? Here are a few tasty twists:
- Veggie boost – Stir in spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers before baking.
- Different pasta – Try rigatoni, rotini, or fusilli instead of penne.
- Protein swap – Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, ground turkey, or even Italian sausage.
- Gluten-free – Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.
- Low-carb – Swap pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash (just reduce water).
Make-Ahead and Storage
- Make ahead: Assemble the casserole (without baking), cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready.
- Freeze: Prepare fully, cool completely, then freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat covered in the oven until warmed through.
- Store leftovers: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
What to Serve with Chicken Parmesan Casserole
This hearty casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can round it out with simple sides like:
Steamed green beans or broccoli
Garlic bread or breadsticks
A crisp Caesar salad
Roasted vegetables
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: ~421
- Protein: 33g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: ~1100mg
(Values are approximate and may vary depending on brands used.)
1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Stir it in with the pasta and sauce before baking. Just be sure the casserole is heated through to 165°F.
2. Do I have to cover the casserole with foil?
Yes, during the first bake. It traps steam so the pasta cooks evenly.
3. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble in the morning or night before, refrigerate, then bake when ready.
4. What if I don’t have penne pasta?
Any short pasta like rotini, fusilli, or rigatoni works great—just keep it uncooked so it absorbs flavor as it bakes.
5. How do I make it spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or even a splash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
Final Thoughts
This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole is the ultimate solution for busy nights when you need something satisfying but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. With its cheesy topping, tender pasta, and bold Italian flavors, it’s a dish the whole family will devour plus, it’s freezer-friendly and easy to customize.
Give it a try this week, and you’ll have a new go-to dinner that’s simple, hearty, and full of comfort!
