If you’ve ever wished for a dinner that feels like a warm hug after a long day, then you are going to absolutely adore this Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole. It’s a one-dish wonder that marries tender bite-sized chicken pieces with al dente penne pasta, all smothered in a rich marinara sauce and topped with a heavenly blanket of golden, bubbly cheese and crunchy Panko breadcrumbs. The best part is how incredibly simple it is to throw together without sacrificing any of the classic, comforting flavors you crave from traditional Chicken Parmesan. Once you try this dish, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with separate pots and pans.

Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient here plays a starring role in building the delicious layers of this casserole. From the pasta that provides satisfying texture, to the marinara that gives it that savory tang, these simple essentials come together effortlessly.

Uncooked penne pasta: The perfect shape to soak up sauce while retaining a nice bite.
Marinara sauce: A flavorful tomato base that ties everything together with a rich, acidic punch.
Water: Helps cook the pasta right in the casserole, saving time and dishes.
Salt: Enhances every flavor and seasons the pasta as it cooks.
Ground black pepper: Adds a gentle heat to balance the dish beautifully.
Raw chicken breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces for tender, juicy protein in every forkful.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (or Italian cheese blend): Melts into gooey perfection, giving you that classic cheesy pull.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty contrast on top and inside.
Panko breadcrumbs: Creates a delightfully crispy, golden crust that makes each bite exciting.
Optional fresh herbs like basil or parsley: A bright, fresh finish to lift the flavors and add color.

How to Make Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Dish

Start by heating your oven to a lively 425°F and lightly spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This simple prep ensures your casserole won’t stick to the pan and will slide out easily when it’s time to serve.

Step 2: Combine the Main Ingredients

In your baking dish or a large bowl, toss together the uncooked penne, marinara sauce, water, salt, pepper, and raw chicken pieces. This step is where the magic begins—the sauce will marinate the chicken and hydrate the pasta all at once, simplifying your dinner prep.

Step 3: Bake Covered to Let Flavors Develop

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture, then pop it into the oven for 30 minutes. During this time, the pasta softens as it absorbs the rich sauce, and the chicken cooks through, soaking up all those delightful Italian flavors.

Step 4: Stir and Prepare the Topping

After 30 minutes, remove the foil and give everything a good stir. The pasta might still be a bit firm and there could be some liquid—this is exactly what you want at this stage! It sets the stage for the perfect bake with cheese on top.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Crunch

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella generously across the casserole, then top with Panko breadcrumbs and a dusting of grated Parmesan. This combination creates the irresistible golden crust that makes Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole so memorable.

Step 6: Bake Uncovered Until Perfectly Bubbly

Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes. This final step melts the cheese into a creamy, stringy layer and crisps up the breadcrumb topping to golden perfection—all while ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and the pasta is tender.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle on some fresh chopped basil or parsley to add a pop of color and fragrant freshness. Now, your Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole is ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Garnishes

Adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley not only brightens the presentation but also adds a lovely herbal aroma that complements the rich tomato sauce. For an extra touch, a light drizzle of good olive oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can bring some exciting depth and warmth to the dish.

Side Dishes

This casserole is hearty and satisfying on its own, but pairing it with crisp green salads or simple steamed veggies adds balance and freshness. Garlic bread or toasted baguette slices are classic companions—perfect for scooping up any extra sauce left on your plate!

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins or oven-safe bowls for a charming presentation. You could also add some sliced roasted veggies between layers or swap the penne for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to customize it to your liking while keeping that same Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole spirit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (though they might disappear fast!), let the casserole cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will keep for up to 3 days while maintaining great flavor and texture.

Freezing

This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole freezes wonderfully. To freeze, prepare the casserole fully up to the point before baking the cheese topping, then wrap it tightly with foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, bake from frozen—just add extra time and watch until bubbly and the cheese topping is golden.

Reheating

To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave until hot throughout or place leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F. Cover with foil to prevent drying out and heat until the cheese is melted again and the chicken is steaming hot.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne works great for absorbing the sauce and baking evenly, you can swap in rigatoni, ziti, or even rotini—just keep an eye on cooking times if the shapes vary in thickness.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Simply skip the chicken and load the dish up with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant. The marinara sauce and cheese bring plenty of flavor to satisfy everyone.

Do I need to thaw the casserole before baking if frozen?

Not at all. You can bake the casserole straight from the freezer, just remember to increase the baking time by about 20 to 30 minutes and keep it covered with foil to make sure it cooks evenly.

Can I prepare this casserole in advance and bake it later?

Definitely. Mixing all the ingredients and assembling the casserole ahead of time saves you a ton of stress. Just cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking as directed.

What’s the secret to a crispy topping?

The key is the Panko breadcrumbs sprinkled over the cheese layer. They toast beautifully in the oven’s heat, giving you that irresistible crunch. For extra flavor, mix in a little melted butter or grated Parmesan before topping.

Final Thoughts

This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole is one of those rare recipes that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to make. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving classic Italian comfort without a fuss. Once you try it, this casserole will become a beloved staple in your kitchen — I promise you’ll love sharing it with family and friends as much as I do!

Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 22 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole is an easy, comforting one-pan meal that combines uncooked penne pasta, tender chicken breast, marinara sauce, and plenty of cheese. With minimal prep and a straightforward baking process, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a cozy Italian-inspired dinner without fuss.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly coat a 13×9-inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking during baking.
Combine Ingredients: In the prepared baking dish, combine the uncooked penne pasta, marinara sauce, water, salt, black pepper, and bite-sized raw chicken pieces. Stir gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb the liquids and the chicken to begin cooking.
Stir After Initial Bake: Remove the foil carefully, then stir the casserole. The pasta will be slightly firm with some remaining liquid, which is normal and necessary for proper cooking.
Add Cheese and Toppings: Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella (or Italian blend) cheese over the mixture, then top with panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese for texture and flavor.
Bake Uncovered: Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the topping is golden brown. The chicken should be fully cooked and the pasta tender.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy a hearty, cheesy chicken Parmesan casserole.

Notes

If you prefer a spicier flavor, add red pepper flakes along with the marinara sauce.
Using bite-sized chicken ensures even cooking and easy serving.
For a lower calorie version, use part-skim mozzarella and reduce the amount of breadcrumbs.
Make sure to cut the chicken into uniform sizes for consistent cooking.
The dish can be prepared a few hours ahead and refrigerated; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking cold.
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat covered to retain moisture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Dinner, Casserole
Method: Bake
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 420
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: chicken parmesan casserole, dump-and-bake casserole, easy chicken dinner, baked pasta, penne pasta casserole, cheesy chicken bake, one-pan meal