Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a super easy and tasty dish that combines tender chicken, gooey melted cheese, and classic marinara sauce all baked together in one pan. It’s like all the best parts of chicken parmesan rolled into a simple casserole that you just put together and pop in the oven.
I love making this casserole on busy weeknights because it requires very little prep—just dump everything in the dish, sprinkle on the cheese, and let it bake. It’s one of those meals that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen even when you didn’t. Plus, the melty cheese on top always gets everyone excited to eat!
My favorite way to serve this is with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad. It’s great for a family dinner or when friends drop by because it’s filling and comforting without any extra fuss. I always find myself going back for seconds, and sometimes even thirds, because it’s just that good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Cooked chicken breast is perfect here for a mild flavor and tender bite. You can swap for rotisserie chicken to save time or use cooked turkey for a leaner option.
Pasta: Penne or ziti hold sauce well thanks to their shape. Feel free to use rigatoni or another tubular pasta if you have it on hand.
Cheese: Mozzarella and Parmesan bring creamy and nutty notes. Ricotta adds richness and a soft texture. For a different twist, try provolone instead of mozzarella or Pecorino Romano in place of Parmesan.
Breadcrumbs: Italian seasoned breadcrumbs add crunch and flavor on top. If you don’t have seasoned ones, use plain breadcrumbs plus a pinch of Italian herbs or garlic powder. For gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Marinara Sauce: Use a good-quality jarred sauce or homemade tomato sauce for freshness. If spicy is your thing, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra kick.
How Do I Get a Crispy, Golden Top on My Casserole?
That crunchy, golden topping comes from the breadcrumb and cheese layer baked until toasted. Here’s how to get it right:
- Mix breadcrumbs with olive oil to help them brown evenly and not dry out.
- Sprinkle cheese before breadcrumbs—this creates a glue that helps them stick and brown well.
- Bake uncovered so moisture can escape, avoiding soggy topping.
- Check the casserole toward the end of baking; if the top isn’t brown enough, switch to broil for 1-2 minutes—but watch closely to avoid burning.
Patience is key! Let the casserole rest after baking so the juices settle and the topping firms up just right before serving.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – for boiling the pasta; a wide pot makes stirring easier to prevent sticking.
- 9×13 inch casserole dish – perfect size to hold all the ingredients and bake evenly.
- Mixing bowl – for combining pasta, chicken, sauce, and seasonings smoothly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get your cheese, sauce, and spices just right.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – to gently fold everything together without breaking the pasta.
- Small bowl – to mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil for a crispy topping.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for Italian sausage for a spicier, heartier flavor that’s great for sausage lovers.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to sneak in some veggies and boost depth.
- Use smoked mozzarella for a subtle smoky twist that freshens up the dish.
- Stir in fresh basil or oregano before baking to brighten the flavors with herbs.
Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz penne or ziti pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Time Needed
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, including boiling the pasta and mixing the ingredients, plus 25-30 minutes baking time. Allow 5 minutes to rest before serving, so the casserole sets up perfectly.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne or ziti pasta until just al dente according to the package directions. Drain well and set aside.
2. Mix the Main Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced chicken, marinara sauce, half the shredded mozzarella, ricotta cheese, minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and half the chopped parsley. Gently stir until everything is evenly mixed.
3. Assemble the Casserole:
Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Spread the pasta mixture evenly in the dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and all the Parmesan cheese on top.
4. Add the Crispy Topping:
In a small bowl, mix the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs with olive oil until they are coated. Scatter this breadcrumb mixture evenly over the cheese layer to create a crunchy topping.
5. Bake and Serve:
Bake the casserole uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with extra chopped parsley before serving warm. Enjoy your comforting and cheesy chicken Parmesan casserole!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Casserole?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken before mixing it in. You can thaw it safely overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Pat it dry to avoid extra moisture in the casserole.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms, eggplant, or zucchini to keep it hearty and flavorful. You can also add extra cheese or beans for protein.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to keep the topping crispy.
Can I Prepare This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Bake it right before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed since it will be cold.
