When life gets busy but you still want a warm, satisfying dinner on the table, Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a total game-changer. This recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a comforting Italian-inspired meal that the whole family will love. With uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, tender chicken, and plenty of melty cheese, it’s the ultimate dump-and-bake dinner—minimal prep, maximum flavor.
Unlike traditional chicken Parmesan that requires breading, frying, and layering, this casserole is a no-fuss shortcut without sacrificing taste. In under an hour, you can have a golden, bubbling, cheesy dish that tastes like it came from a restaurant but requires far less effort.
Perfect for weeknights, casual family dinners, or even for meal prep, this casserole combines creamy, cheesy comfort with tender pasta and protein-packed chicken in one easy dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time—just dump ingredients into a baking dish.
- Comforting and Cheesy: Layers of mozzarella, Parmesan, and flavorful sauce.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love this cheesy chicken pasta casserole.
- Customizable: Add vegetables, spices, or extra cheese to suit your taste.
- One-Pan Dinner: Minimal cleanup since everything bakes in a single dish.
Ingredients
You’ll need the following simple ingredients to create this cozy, cheesy casserole:
- 1 (16 oz) package uncooked penne pasta
- 3 cups marinara sauce (about 1 jar, 24 oz)
- 3 cups water
- 1 tsp salt
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 ½ lbs raw chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1–2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or Italian cheese blend)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- Optional: Fresh chopped herbs like basil or parsley for garnish
Optional seasonings for extra flavor: Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, or sun-dried tomatoes.
Step-by-Step Preparation
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Dish
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly coat a 13×9-inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. You can also use a large mixing bowl to combine ingredients before transferring them to the baking dish.
Step 2: Combine Pasta, Sauce, and Chicken
In the prepared baking dish (or a separate bowl), combine:
- Uncooked penne pasta
- Marinara sauce
- Water
- Salt and pepper
- Raw chicken pieces
Stir well to evenly distribute the sauce and seasonings. Make sure all the pasta is coated and submerged in liquid to ensure even cooking.
Step 3: Cover and Bake
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture. Bake for 30 minutes. This allows the pasta to cook in the sauce while the chicken cooks through, absorbing the flavors of the marinara.
Step 4: Remove Foil and Stir
After 30 minutes, remove the foil carefully. The pasta should be slightly firm, and there may still be some liquid—this is normal. Stir the casserole gently to combine and distribute the chicken and sauce evenly.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Breadcrumbs
Top the casserole with:
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1–2 cups)
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Grated Parmesan cheese
This creates a crispy, golden, cheesy top layer once baked.
Step 6: Continue Baking
Return the uncovered casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until:
- Cheese is melted and bubbly
- Top is golden brown
- Pasta is tender
- Chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F)
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle fresh herbs like basil or parsley on top for added color and flavor. Serve hot directly from the baking dish.
Tips for the Perfect Dump-and-Bake Casserole
- Use Panko for Extra Crunch: Traditional breadcrumbs can work, but Panko creates a lighter, crispier topping.
- Check Pasta Doneness: Ovens vary; taste a piece of pasta to ensure it’s cooked al dente.
- Avoid Overcooking: Overbaking can make pasta mushy, so stick to the recommended time.
- Flavor Boosters: Add garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra depth.
- Swap Chicken: Boneless thighs or rotisserie chicken work well for variations.
- Vegetable Add-ins: Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach can be stirred in for extra nutrition.
Variations to Try
- Cheesy Spinach Chicken Parmesan: Add a layer of fresh spinach or frozen chopped spinach for a nutrient boost.
- Spicy Casserole: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce for a subtle heat.
- Four-Cheese Casserole: Mix mozzarella, provolone, Parmesan, and fontina for a richer flavor.
- Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta: Swap the penne for your favorite alternative to make it healthier or gluten-free.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Combine all ingredients except the cheese and breadcrumbs in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the cheese and breadcrumbs before baking.
2. Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole (minus the cheese topping), cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
3. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes. If using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken, reduce the initial covered bake to 20 minutes, then add cheese and breadcrumbs.
4. What sides go well with this dish?
Serve with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
5. Can I make it low-carb?
Swap the penne for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice, and reduce the amount of breadcrumbs for a lighter version.
6. How do I get the top extra crispy?
Broil the casserole for 1–2 minutes after baking, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Why This Recipe Works
- Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Just dump, bake, and serve.
- Balanced Comfort: Cheesy, saucy, and filling without being heavy.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love the cheesy pasta; adults love the simplicity and flavor.
- Customizable: Easy to adjust seasonings, vegetables, or proteins.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 421 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 53 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 68 mg
- Sodium: 1116 mg
- Potassium: 779 mg
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 6 g
- Vitamin A: 545 IU
- Vitamin C: 8 mg
- Calcium: 224 mg
- Iron: 3 mg
Conclusion
Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole is the ultimate weeknight comfort meal—cheesy, flavorful, and unbelievably simple. With minimal prep and a single baking dish, it delivers a classic Italian-inspired dinner that will delight both kids and adults. The tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and golden cheesy topping create a satisfying combination that’s both hearty and comforting.
With these tips, variations, and FAQs, you can customize this casserole to your taste and even prepare it ahead for busy nights. From adding veggies to switching up cheeses or pasta types, this versatile recipe is perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or preparing a crowd-pleasing dinner for friends, this dump-and-bake chicken Parmesan casserole is sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.
Print
Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole – Quick, Cheesy, and Comforting
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
Looking for a quick, comforting meal that the whole family will love? This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole is the answer! With just a handful of simple ingredients and no prep hassle, you’ll have a delicious, cheesy dinner ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
- 1 (16 oz) package uncooked penne pasta
- 3 cups marinara sauce (about 1 jar, 24 oz)
- 3 cups water
- 1 tsp salt
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 ½ lbs raw chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1–2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or Italian cheese blend)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- Optional: Fresh chopped herbs like basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and lightly coat a 13×9-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- In the prepared dish (or in a large separate bowl), combine the uncooked penne, marinara sauce, water, salt, pepper, and raw chicken.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and cover tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture. Bake for 30 minutes, ensuring the pasta absorbs the liquid during this time.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and stir the mixture. At this point, the pasta will be slightly firm, and there may still be some liquid – that’s perfectly fine!
- Top with shredded mozzarella, sprinkle with breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
- Continue baking uncovered for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, the top is golden brown, the pasta is tender, and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley if desired, then serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Cooking times may vary based on the type of pan, pasta, and your oven. Glass or ceramic dishes may require a little longer.
- Always check the pasta by tasting a bite. It should be al dente, and most of the liquid should be absorbed.
- To avoid mushy pasta, be careful not to overcook it.
- You can also mix in Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, or sun-dried tomatoes for a flavor boost.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: Italian