If weeknights had a personality, they’d be tired, hungry, and begging for something easy . That’s exactly why Dump and Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole has become one of those recipes I keep tucked in my back pocket for real life. You know—when everyone’s starving, the sink is already full, and you absolutely do not want to babysit a pot of boiling pasta.
This recipe is the definition of comfort without chaos. You dump everything into one dish, pop it in the oven, and let dinner handle itself. No pre-cooking. No fancy steps. Just cheesy, saucy, baked goodness that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day.
If you love classic chicken parmesan but not the mess, stress, or extra pans, this casserole is about to be your new best friend.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Dump and Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Let’s be honest—some recipes promise “easy” and then sneak in five extra steps. Not this one.
Here’s why this Dump and Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole deserves a permanent spot on your dinner rotation:
- One dish, zero boiling – The pasta cooks right in the sauce. Yes, really.
- Family-approved comfort food – Cheesy, saucy, and familiar (even picky eaters usually say yes).
- Minimal prep – Just a little chopping and dumping. That’s it.
- Perfect for busy nights – Weeknights, late practices, or when your brain is already done for the day.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully – Hello, stress-free lunch tomorrow.
Your kitchen will smell incredible, and you’ll feel like you actually won dinner without trying too hard.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing fancy here—just simple ingredients that come together in the best way.
For the Casserole:
- Penne Pasta – The sturdy base that soaks up all that saucy goodness.
- Marinara Sauce – Rich, tangy, and comforting.
- Water – Helps the pasta cook right in the dish.
- Salt & Pepper – Simple but essential.
- Chicken Breast – Diced into bite-sized pieces for tender protein in every forkful.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – Because stretchy, melty cheese is non-negotiable.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese – Adds that sharp, savory chicken parm flavor.
- Panko Breadcrumbs – For a golden, crispy topping that makes this casserole extra special.
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh Basil or Parsley – Totally optional, but it adds a pop of freshness and makes you feel fancy.
Refer to the recipe card below for exact ingredient measurements and full nutritional information.
How to Make Dump and Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole
This is where the magic happens—and it’s almost laughably simple.
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 425°F. Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. This keeps cleanup easy (because future-you will appreciate that).
2. Dump and Stir
Right in the baking dish—or in a large bowl if you prefer—combine:
- Uncooked penne pasta
- Marinara sauce
- Water
- Salt and pepper
- Diced chicken breast
Want extra flavor? Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Stir everything together until well mixed.
3. Bake (Covered)
Pour the mixture into your prepared dish if it’s not already there. Cover tightly with aluminum foil—this is important so the pasta cooks properly.
Bake for 30 minutes.
4. Add the Good Stuff
Remove the foil and give everything a good stir. The pasta will still be firm, and you’ll see some liquid—that’s exactly what you want.
Top evenly with:
- Shredded mozzarella
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Grated Parmesan cheese
5. Bake Again (Uncovered)
Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden, and the chicken is cooked through.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley if you’re feeling it. Serve hot and watch it disappear.
Helpful Tips for Success
- Cover tightly the first time – Escaping steam = undercooked pasta.
- Don’t panic about liquid – It thickens as it bakes and rests.
- Want extra crunch? Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end (just keep an eye on it).
- Shred your own cheese if you can – It melts smoother than pre-shredded, but both work.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes – This helps everything set up nicely before serving.
If your topping gets a little extra golden… congratulations. That’s the best part.
A Little Real-Life Story
This Dump and Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole saved me during one of those weeks where everything felt like a to-do list with no end in sight. I remember standing in the kitchen thinking, I cannot handle one more pan. This casserole came together in minutes, baked while I helped with homework, and somehow made the evening feel calmer.
That’s my favorite kind of recipe—the ones that quietly make life easier.
FAQs About Dump and Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Can I use a different pasta?
Yes! Short, sturdy pasta like rotini or ziti works well. Just avoid very thin pasta—it can get mushy.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
You can, but reduce the baking time slightly since the chicken doesn’t need to cook through.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can assemble everything (minus the breadcrumb topping), cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add breadcrumbs right before baking.
Can I freeze it?
Yes! Freeze after baking, tightly wrapped, for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat until bubbly.
Dinner Just Got Easier
There’s something incredibly comforting about a meal that asks so little of you but gives so much back. Dump and Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole is cozy, filling, and exactly what busy nights call for—no extra stress required.
If you’re craving a dinner that feels homemade without demanding all your energy, this one delivers every single time. Dump it, bake it, and let your oven do the heavy lifting.
More Cozy Dinners You’ll Love
If this Dump and Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole made your evening a little easier (and cheesier!), here are a few more reader-favorite dinners you might want to try next. They’re all comforting, low-stress, and perfect for busy nights when you still want something homemade:
- Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken – Rich, cozy, and full of Italian-inspired flavor, this one is dreamy over pasta or with warm bread for soaking up every drop of sauce.
- Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing – A true comfort classic that feels like a hug in a bowl. Simple ingredients, family-friendly, and always a hit.
- Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole – If you love the dump-and-bake method but want something lighter and fresh, this one’s a must-try.
- Crockpot Chicken Parmesan – All the cheesy, saucy goodness you love, made extra easy thanks to the slow cooker.
Tried this recipe? I’d absolutely love to hear how it turned out for you! Leave a quick review and tap those ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ stars to help other busy cooks find their new favorite dinner. Your feedback truly means the world .
Dump and Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Dump and Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole is an easy, comforting one-dish dinner made with tender chicken, pasta, marinara sauce, and a golden cheesy topping. No pre-cooking required—just dump, bake, and enjoy a cozy family favorite.
Ingredients
12 oz penne pasta (uncooked)
3 cups marinara sauce
2 cups water
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In the baking dish, combine uncooked penne pasta, marinara sauce, water, diced chicken, salt, pepper, and optional seasonings. Stir well.
Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove foil and stir the casserole. Top evenly with mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and panko breadcrumbs.
Return to the oven uncovered and bake for 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden, and chicken is cooked through.
Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
Make sure the dish is tightly covered during the first bake so the pasta cooks properly.
If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil.
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to help it set.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American / Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg