Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole

If you’re looking for a meal that brings everyone together with minimal fuss, you’ve found it! This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a family favorite in our home. It’s not just easy to make; it’s comforting and delicious, too! Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this dish combines tender chicken, cheesy goodness, and the warm flavors of marinara—all baked together in one pan. Who doesn’t love a cozy casserole that practically cooks itself?

The best part? You don’t need any fancy skills or extensive prep work to whip this up. Just gather your ingredients and let the oven do the magic while you relax!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Easy: This recipe requires no chopping or intricate steps—just dump and bake!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will devour this cheesy, flavorful casserole.
• One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup means more time spent enjoying your meal with loved ones.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it ahead of time for those busy evenings when you need dinner ready in a pinch.
• Deliciously Satisfying: The combination of tender chicken, pasta, and gooey cheese is simply irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this delightful Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole, you’ll need some simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything:

Pasta

• 1 (16 oz) package uncooked penne pasta

Sauce and Seasoning

• 3 cups marinara sauce (about 1 jar, 24 oz)
• 3 cups water
• 1 tsp salt
• Ground black pepper, to taste

Chicken

• 1 ½ lbs raw chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

Cheese and Topping

• 1-2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or Italian cheese blend)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs

Garnish (Optional)

• Fresh chopped herbs like basil or parsley for garnish

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily customize it to fit your taste or what you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: Use turkey or even chickpeas for a vegetarian twist!
• Change the pasta shape: Try rigatoni or fusilli if you prefer a different bite.
• Add veggies: Toss in some spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
• Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning for an extra kick!

How to Make Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first—preheat your oven to 425°F. This ensures that your casserole cooks evenly and gets that beautiful golden top we all love.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In a lightly greased 13×9-inch baking dish (or a large bowl), mix together the uncooked penne pasta, marinara sauce, water, salt, pepper, and raw chicken. This step is crucial because it allows all those flavors to meld as they bake together.

Step 3: Bake Covered

Cover your baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This helps trap moisture during the first half of baking so that your pasta absorbs all that delicious sauce without drying out. Bake this mixture for 30 minutes.

Step 4: Stir It Up

After those initial 30 minutes are up, carefully remove the foil and give everything a good stir. At this point, don’t worry if the pasta seems slightly firm—that’s exactly how it should be!

Step 5: Add Cheese and Toppings

Now comes the fun part! Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top, followed by Panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. This layer creates a crispy topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy center.

Step 6: Finish Baking Uncovered

Return your casserole to the oven uncovered for another 10-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Plus, your kitchen will smell amazing!

Step 7: Serve with Love

Once out of the oven, garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve hot and enjoy every cheesy bite with your family—you’ve just made an incredible meal!

Pro Tips for Making Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole

This casserole is as forgiving as it is delicious, making it perfect for cooks of all skill levels. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out wonderfully every time!

• Use high-quality marinara sauce: A good sauce makes all the difference in flavor. Opt for a brand you love or even try homemade if you’re feeling adventurous!
• Cut chicken into uniform pieces: Ensuring that your chicken pieces are about the same size will help them cook evenly, resulting in tender bites throughout the casserole.
• Add veggies for extra nutrition: Consider tossing in some chopped spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms before baking. This not only boosts the nutritional value but also adds delightful flavors and textures.
• Let it rest after baking: Allowing the dish to sit for 5-10 minutes after taking it out of the oven allows the flavors to meld and makes serving easier.
• Experiment with cheese blends: While mozzarella is traditional, mixing in provolone or a sprinkle of goat cheese can elevate your casserole to new heights of cheesy goodness!

How to Serve Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Presenting this comforting casserole can be just as fun as making it! Here are some ideas to make your meal visually appealing and delicious.

Garnishes

• Fresh basil or parsley: Chopped herbs add a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the rich flavors of the dish.
• Red pepper flakes: If you enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkling some red pepper flakes on top right before serving can give a flavorful kick.
• Lemon zest: A dash of lemon zest provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy cheese and savory chicken.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: A classic side that complements any Italian dish, garlic bread is perfect for soaking up leftover marinara sauce while adding a crunchy texture.
• Caesar Salad (without anchovies): Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with a creamy dressing, croutons, and Parmesan cheese makes for a refreshing side that balances the richness of the casserole.
• Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients without overpowering the main dish. It’s simple yet effective!
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasting seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots brings out their natural sweetness and pairs beautifully with this hearty casserole.

Enjoy creating this warm, cheesy delight that everyone will ask for again and again!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole is perfect for meal prep, making it an excellent choice for busy weeks. You can prepare it in advance or store leftovers for quick meals later on.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• For best results, separate individual portions to make reheating easy.

Freezing

• Let the casserole cool entirely before freezing.
• Wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap and then cover with aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for reference.

Reheating

• For refrigerated leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F and bake covered for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
• If reheating from frozen, it’s best to thaw overnight in the fridge first, then reheat as noted above.
• You can also microwave individual portions, heating in 1-minute intervals until warm.

FAQs

Have questions about this delicious casserole? Here are some common ones!

Can I use gluten-free pasta in the Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole?

Absolutely! Gluten-free pasta works well in this recipe. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as gluten-free pasta can cook faster than regular pasta.

How long does the Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole last in the fridge?

The casserole will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days when stored properly. Just make sure it’s sealed tightly!

Can I add vegetables to my Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole?

Definitely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini right into the mix. They’ll add flavor and nutrition!

What should I serve with my Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole?

This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a delightful dinner experience.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole! It’s a comforting dish that brings together family and friends around the dinner table with minimal fuss. Enjoy every cheesy bite—your loved ones will surely ask for seconds! Happy cooking!