Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole

There’s something magical about a one-pan meal that combines the flavors of Italian comfort food with the ease of a hassle-free cooking process. Enter the creamy goodness of the Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole! This dish not only embraces the classic elements of chicken parmesan—succulent chicken, rich marinara, and melty cheese—but it does so without the heavy lifting. Whether you’re juggling busy weeknights or planning a cozy family dinner, this casserole promises to be a hit on your dining table.

Why you’ll love this dish

This recipe is a true gem in the realm of weeknight dinners, and it’s easy to see why. Not only is it incredibly simple to prepare, but it’s also a budget-friendly option that packs a flavorful punch. The penne pasta cooks right in the dish with the chicken, absorbing all the delicious marinara sauce—a one-pot wonder that minimizes dishes and maximizes flavor.

"This casserole took me less than an hour from start to finish and was a huge hit with my kids. They couldn’t get enough of the cheesy goodness!" – happy home cook

Perfect for those busy evenings or when you’re entertaining friends, this Chicken Parmesan Casserole is versatile enough to serve on its own or paired with a fresh salad or crusty bread. The comforting, homestyle feel makes it an ideal choice for family gatherings or a casual dinner party.

Step-by-step overview

The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward process. You will combine aromatic flavors, hearty ingredients, and fresh toppings for a rich, satisfying meal without the fuss. Here’s how it comes together: you’ll begin by layering your pasta, chicken, and sauce, then let the oven work its magic. The end result? A bubbling, golden-brown casserole that’s sure to impress everyone at the table.

What you’ll need

Gathering your ingredients ahead of time will streamline the cooking process. Here’s what you’ll need for the Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan 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

Feel free to customize your cheese blend—maybe add some provolone or fontina for an extra layer of flavor!

Step-by-step instructions

Ready to create this delicious casserole? Follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly coat a 13×9-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. In the prepared dish, combine the uncooked penne pasta, marinara sauce, water, salt, pepper, and raw chicken. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
3. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil, keeping all that moisture in. Bake for 30 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb the liquid.
4. Once the timer goes off, remove the foil and give the mixture a stir. At this point, the pasta should be slightly firm, and that’s perfectly okay!
5. Top the casserole with shredded mozzarella, followed by a sprinkle of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
6. Bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, the top is golden brown, and the chicken is fully cooked.
7. If desired, garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley before serving. Enjoy your hearty creation!

Best ways to enjoy it

Serving this casserole is as easy as the cooking process itself! Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. Some garlic bread or warm rolls would also perfectly complement the dish, helping to soak up any extra sauce. For a more complete meal, consider adding roasted vegetables on the side to introduce some color and variety.

Storage and reheating tips

To properly store your leftover casserole, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing individual portions. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When you’re ready to reheat, bake at 350°F until heated through, about 20-30 minutes from frozen or 10-15 minutes from the fridge.

Helpful cooking tips

Here are a few tips to ensure your casserole turns out perfectly every time:

• Use high-quality marinara for a more robust flavor. If you have homemade sauce on hand, even better!
• If you’re short on time, consider using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken—just add it in during the last few minutes of baking.
• Taste as you go! Adjust seasoning and sauce amounts to suit your palate.

Creative twists

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, feel free to get creative! Try adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to boost nutrition. Interested in other flavors? Swap out the marinara for Alfredo sauce or pesto for an Italian twist. You could also change the cheese blend to include goat cheese or blue cheese for a more gourmet touch.

Common questions

What is the prep time for this casserole?
Preparation takes about 15 minutes, with a total cooking time of around 45-50 minutes.

Can I substitute the pasta?
Absolutely! Other shapes like rotini or farfalle would work just as well.

Is it safe to freeze and reheat?
Yes, freezing works well for this dish. Just ensure it’s cooled and stored properly. Reheat until completely warmed through to maintain safety.

Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole

A creamy and comforting one-pan meal combining chicken parmesan flavors without the hassle. Perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6 servings

Calories 550 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 package 16 oz uncooked penne pasta
• 3 cups marinara sauce (about 1 jar, 24 oz) Use high-quality marinara for a better flavor.
• 3 cups water
• 1 tsp salt
• Ground black pepper, to taste
• 1.5 lbs raw chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces Alternatively, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.
• 1-2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or Italian cheese blend) Feel free to customize with other cheeses like provolone.
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• Fresh chopped herbs like basil or parsley for garnish (optional) Add for flavor and presentation.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly coat a 13x9-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
• In the prepared dish, combine the uncooked penne pasta, marinara sauce, water, salt, pepper, and raw chicken. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
• Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil, keeping all that moisture in. Bake for 30 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb the liquid.

Baking

• Once the timer goes off, remove the foil and give the mixture a stir. At this point, the pasta should be slightly firm.
• Top the casserole with shredded mozzarella, followed by a sprinkle of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
• Bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, the top is golden brown, and the chicken is fully cooked.

Serving

• If desired, garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley before serving. Enjoy your hearty creation!

Notes

This casserole can be served with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.

Keyword Casserole, Chicken Parmesan, Dump-and-Bake, Easy Dinner, One-Pan Meal