This Easy Dump & Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—cheesy, savory, and ready in under an hour. Tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich marinara sauce come together in one simple dish that’s ideal for weeknight dinners, family meals, or casual gatherings. The golden breadcrumb topping adds a delightful crunch that contrasts perfectly with the creamy, cheesy pasta beneath.
Skip the hassle of boiling pasta separately and layering everything—this casserole combines all the flavors you love in a simple dump-and-bake method, making it a stress-free dinner that still feels indulgent.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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One-Dish Meal – No multiple pots and pans; everything cooks together.
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Family-Friendly – Kids and adults love the cheesy, comforting flavors.
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Quick Prep – Minimal chopping and mixing for fast weeknight dinners.
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Crispy Topping – Golden breadcrumbs add a satisfying crunch.
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Customizable – Swap cheeses or pasta shapes to suit your taste.
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Meal Prep Friendly – Makes great leftovers for lunch the next day.
Ingredient Breakdown
Cooked Chicken – Shredded or diced for quick, even cooking and tender bites.
Pasta – Penne or rotini work best; they absorb the sauce while staying firm.
Marinara Sauce – Provides classic Italian tomato flavor and moisture.
Chicken Broth – Helps cook the pasta in the casserole and keeps it saucy.
Garlic – Adds aromatic depth and a savory punch.
Italian Seasoning – A mix of basil, oregano, and thyme to enhance flavor.
Salt & Pepper – Essential for balancing all the flavors.
Mozzarella Cheese – Melts into a gooey, creamy layer.
Parmesan Cheese – Adds a nutty, salty accent to the cheesy topping.
Breadcrumbs – Create a crisp, golden topping for texture contrast.
Olive Oil – Drizzled over the breadcrumbs for extra crunch and flavor.
Fresh Basil or Parsley – Optional garnish to brighten and freshen the dish.
Pro Tips
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Use Shredded Rotisserie Chicken – Saves time and adds flavor.
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Don’t Overcrowd the Dish – Spread ingredients evenly for even cooking.
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Check Pasta Tenderness – Oven temperatures vary; bake until pasta is soft but not mushy.
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Golden Topping – Drizzle olive oil over breadcrumbs to ensure they crisp perfectly.
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Let It Rest – Allow 5 minutes after baking to let the casserole set and make serving easier.
Ingredient Swaps or Variations
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Cheese Variations – Use provolone, fontina, or a blend of Italian cheeses.
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Protein Options – Swap chicken for turkey, sausage, or even cooked ground beef.
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Vegetable Add-Ins – Add spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
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Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.
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Spicy Twist – Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinara.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve with a fresh green salad for a lighter contrast.
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Pair with garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks to soak up the sauce.
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Offer marinara dipping sauce for extra flavor on the side.
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Sprinkle extra Parmesan at the table for cheese lovers.
Make Ahead + Storage Tips
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Prep Ahead – Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
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Store Leftovers – Keep in an airtight container for 3–4 days in the fridge.
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Reheat – Microwave individual portions or bake at 350°F for 10–15 minutes until warmed through.
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Freeze for Later – Assemble without breadcrumbs, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months; add topping before baking.
Cultural or Historical Notes
Chicken Parmesan has roots in Italian-American cuisine, adapting classic Italian parmigiana di pollo into a casserole-friendly, weeknight version. The dump-and-bake method is a modern convenience twist, perfect for busy households while retaining all the classic flavors of a traditional chicken Parmesan dish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use uncooked chicken?
Yes, but dice it small and bake slightly longer to ensure it cooks through.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, substitute chicken with cooked vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant.
What pasta works best?
Short, tubular pasta such as penne, rotini, or rigatoni holds sauce and layers well.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate; add breadcrumbs before baking.
How do I make the topping extra crunchy?
Mix breadcrumbs with a little melted butter or olive oil, and bake uncovered for the final 10 minutes.
Dump & Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In the prepared dish, combine the uncooked pasta, chicken, marinara sauce, chicken broth, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top. Cover the dish tightly with foil.
- Bake covered for 35–40 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove the foil. Sprinkle the seasoned breadcrumbs over the top and drizzle with olive oil.
- Return to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the casserole is bubbly.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
