Some days, you just want dinner to magically appear in the oven with almost zero effort. That’s exactly the kind of evening this Dump and Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole was born for. It’s the sort of dish that feels like a warm hug—familiar, a little indulgent, and completely fuss-free. We’re talking tender bites of chicken tucked under a blanket of pasta, marinara, and a bubbling cheese layer that could make anyone forget about takeout. This isn’t just dinner—it’s a rescue plan for busy weeknights and one of my favorite chicken casserole recipes to keep in rotation. If you’ve been hunting for healthy chicken curry inspiration, quick chicken dinner ideas, comfort chicken recipes, or just easy chicken casserole recipes you can throw together after a long day, this one checks all those boxes. Even better—it’s simple, flexible, and makes leftovers worth fighting over. In my kitchen, that’s the ultimate win.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Dump and Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
3) Ingredients for Dump and Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole
4) How to Make Dump and Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole
5) Tips for Making Dump and Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole
6) Making Dump and Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Dump and Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole
8) Try these Main Course next!
9) Dump and Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This chicken casserole recipes dish is oven-ready in minutes.
Uses simple pantry and fridge ingredients.
No pre-cooking of pasta required.
Creamy, cheesy, and full of comfort.

2) Easy Dump and Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

Some meals are made to impress. Others are made to save your sanity after a long day. This one falls in the second category. When I first made this chicken casserole recipes, I was amazed at how quickly it came together. No boiling pasta ahead, no browning chicken, just a few quick steps and into the oven it goes.

The magic here comes from layering raw pasta, tender chicken, and a rich marinara sauce under a generous blanket of cheese. That’s it. The oven does the rest, turning everything into a bubbling, golden dinner that feels far fancier than the effort it took.

On nights when you crave comfort chicken recipes without fuss, this one is a winner. It’s flexible, too. You can switch the pasta type, add veggies, or swap in different seasonings. This recipe is about ease and flavor, not rules.

3) Ingredients for Dump and Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly in the oven without drying out.

Pasta: Penne or rotini work best here. They hold the sauce well and keep their texture during baking.

Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade version. The flavor of the sauce will carry the dish.

Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded for even melting and that signature stretchy bite.

Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty kick that balances the marinara’s sweetness.

Water or Chicken Broth: Keeps the pasta tender while baking and adds depth to the sauce.

Garlic Powder: Gives a gentle warmth without overpowering other flavors.

Italian Seasoning: Brings a familiar, comforting aroma to the dish.

Salt and Pepper: Adjust to taste, seasoning each layer lightly for full flavor.

Fresh Basil: Optional, but a sprinkle on top adds freshness and color.

4) How to Make Dump and Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Spread the uncooked pasta evenly in the dish, creating a base layer that will soak up all the sauce.

Step 3: Add the chicken pieces on top of the pasta, keeping them evenly distributed for consistent cooking.

Step 4: Pour the marinara sauce and water (or broth) evenly over the chicken and pasta.

Step 5: Sprinkle garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper evenly across the top.

Step 6: Stir gently to mix, keeping the layers mostly intact for the best texture.

Step 7: Cover with mozzarella and Parmesan, letting them blanket the top completely.

Step 8: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 35 minutes.

Step 9: Remove the foil and bake another 10-15 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 10: Sprinkle fresh basil before serving, if you like.

5) Tips for Making Dump and Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Layering matters. Spread the pasta evenly so it cooks through without clumping. The chicken should sit directly above it so juices can flavor the pasta.

Choose a good marinara. Since it’s the backbone of this dish, a rich, flavorful sauce will make a noticeable difference. If you like spice, add a pinch of crushed red pepper.

Don’t skip covering with foil for the first bake. This traps steam, helping the pasta cook and the chicken stay tender.

6) Making Dump and Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole Ahead of Time

This is one of those easy chicken casserole recipes that actually gets better after sitting a bit. You can assemble it in the morning, cover it, and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

If you’re prepping more than a day ahead, hold off on adding the cheese until just before baking. That way, it melts fresh and doesn’t absorb too much liquid.

When ready to bake, add 5 extra minutes to the covered cooking time if starting from cold.

7) Storing Leftover Dump and Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors meld beautifully, making reheated portions taste even richer.

Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or use the microwave for single servings. If reheating in the oven, cover with foil to keep the pasta from drying.

If you like a bit of extra freshness, sprinkle chopped basil or parsley over the top after reheating.

8) Try these Main Course next!

9) Dump and Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole