Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Introduction

The Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a game-changer for busy families, meal preppers, and anyone craving classic Italian flavor without the effort of traditional layering or frying. This recipe is famous for its minimal prep—simply dump the ingredients into a pan, let the oven do the work, and enjoy a cheesy, chicken-packed weeknight dinner that always pleases a crowd.

Why This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole Is a Must-Try

What makes this casserole so irresistible? You get all the savory flavors of traditional chicken parmesan—tender chicken, tangy marinara, melty mozzarella, and crisp breadcrumbs—without hovering over the stove. It’s convenient, comforting, and packs in all the Italian flavors you love in every bite. It’s perfect as a make-ahead freezer meal or a guilt-free solution for nights you’d rather spend with family than in the kitchen.

Gathering the Ingredients

All you need for this recipe are pantry staples and a handful of fresh ingredients. No breading or frying required—just layer, bake, and enjoy!

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and stress-free meal planning!

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
2. Scatter uncooked pasta evenly across the bottom of the casserole dish.
3. Top with uncooked chicken pieces. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
4. Pour marinara sauce and water (or chicken broth) over the chicken and pasta. Stir gently to combine and ensure all the pasta is coated and submerged in liquid.
5. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top (reserve a small amount of cheese for the final step if you want an extra-melty topping).
6. In a small bowl, toss panko or breadcrumbs with olive oil until lightly moistened. Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the casserole.
7. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
8. Remove foil, stir gently, and add any reserved cheese. Bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until pasta is tender, chicken is cooked through, and the topping is golden brown.
9. Let rest for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving, if desired.

Serving Suggestions for a Perfect Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Pair your chicken parmesan casserole with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or steamed broccoli for a balanced and complete meal. For a simple dinner party, serve as the centerpiece alongside roasted vegetables and a glass of red wine.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 6 generous servings. Each serving (based on the listed ingredients) contains approximately 400–450 calories, 35g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 15g fat, making it a filling and balanced main dish.

Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole (Recap)

With its effortless “dump-and-bake” method, this casserole is the ultimate weeknight hero—no breading, no frying, and zero stress. Classic chicken parmesan flavors are delivered in a fuss-free, family-friendly casserole that will keep everyone coming back for seconds.

Weekly Meal Planning

This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole is an ideal addition to your weekly meal rotations. Save and schedule this recipe to plot out dinner plans, consolidate shopping lists, and ensure ingredients overlap efficiently with other meals.

Planning Benefits:

• Automatically calculates total ingredient quantities across all scheduled recipes
• Organizes your shopping list by grocery store sections for super-easy trips
• Helps avoid duplicate purchases and forgotten ingredients
• Simplifies busy weeknight dinners with pre-planned, crowd-pleasing recipes

Pro tip: When planning your week, schedule multiple meals to see ingredient overlaps (e.g., mozzarella, pasta, or chicken) so your shopping is streamlined and cost-effective.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Try this easy, comforting Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole tonight—and spend more time around the table, not in the kitchen!