This dump-and-bake chicken parmesan casserole is the ultimate no-fuss comfort food that tastes like your favorite Italian classic but with half the effort. You don’t need to pre-cook the pasta or fry the chicken—just dump, bake, and enjoy!
Every bite is layered with flavor—savory herbs, creamy cheese, and that irresistible crunch on top. The textures play together beautifully, from the tender chicken to the golden, buttery finish that seals it all in.
It’s hearty without being heavy, familiar yet fresh, family-friendly, and guaranteed to earn a spot in your regular dinner casserole rotation. Minimal effort, maximum comfort—that’s what makes this one-dish dinner a true winner.
Ingredients for Dump and Bake Chicken Casserole
- 1 lb bowtie pasta, uncooked
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 24 oz water
- 1 1/2 lb chicken, cut into ½ inch cubes
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- fresh parsley
Step-by-Step Instructions with Pictures
Preheat the oven to 425°F.
Add uncooked bowtie pasta and marinara sauce to a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Pour the water into the baking dish.
Add the bite-sized pieces of chicken to the mixture.
Add in all the seasonings.
Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove from the oven and stir.
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Add the mozzarella cheese in an even layer.
Sprinkle the breadcrumbs on top.
Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the surface before returning to the oven.
Return to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes uncovered, until golden.
Chop the parsley for garnish.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Dump and Bake Chicken Parmesan
- Use Uncooked Pasta: It cooks in the sauce, soaking up all the flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Butter: It makes the breadcrumbs golden and rich.
- Check Doneness: Add a few minutes if the pasta isn’t fully tender.
- Go Fresh: Fresh Parmesan tastes richer.
- Add Veggies: Mix in spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for an extra flavor boost.
Serving Ideas
- Family Dinner: Add a green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Meal Prep: Store leftovers in containers for easy lunches.
- Potluck Favorite: Travels well and stays warm—great for gatherings.
- Cozy Night In: Enjoy with a glass of wine and your favorite movie.
Recipe Variations to Try
- Extra Cheesy: Add provolone or ricotta for more richness.
- Spicy: Use spicy marinara or add red pepper flakes.
- Low-Carb: Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
- Protein Boost: Mix in cooked sausage or ground turkey.
- Vegetarian: Skip chicken and use roasted veggies instead.
Storage & Reheating
- Store: Keep the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F or microwave briefly.
One Last Thing
If you’re craving something cozy, flavorful, and effortless, baked chicken parmesan is a must-try. It’s everything you love about a cheesy Italian casserole without all the prep work.
Just toss it together, pop it in the oven, and let your kitchen fill with that irresistible aroma of baked comfort. Dinner doesn’t get easier—or more satisfying—than this.
Your Turn
If you make this dump-and-bake chicken parmesan recipe, please take a moment to let me know how you liked it by leaving a rating and a comment below on the recipe card. Follow me on Pinterest and Facebook for more easy and tasty recipes!
More Easy Chicken Recipes to Try Next
Dump and Bake Chicken Parmesan: The Easiest One-Pan Dinner You’ll Ever Make
Equipment
- measuring cups
- spoons
- 9×13 inch casserole dish
- aluminum foil
- small bowl
Ingredients
- 1 lb bowtie pasta uncooked
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 24 oz water
- 1 1/2 lb chicken cut into ½ inch cubes
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp butter melted
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Add uncooked bowtie pasta and marinara sauce to a 9×13-inch casserole dish.1 lb bowtie pasta, 24 oz marinara sauce
- Pour the water into the baking dish.24 oz water
- Add the bite-sized pieces of chicken in the mixture.1 1/2 lb chicken
- Sprinkle in all the seasonings.1 tbsp Italian seasoning , 1 tbsp garlic powder , 1 tsp pepper , 1/2 tsp salt
- Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and stir.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Add the mozzarella cheese in an even layer.1 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
- Sprinkle the breadcrumbs on top.1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the surface before returning to the oven.2 tbsp butter
- Return to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes uncovered until golden.
- Chop the parsley for garnish.Fresh parsley
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Use Uncooked Pasta: It cooks in the sauce, soaking up all the flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Butter: It makes the breadcrumbs golden and rich.
- Check Doneness: Add a few minutes if the pasta isn’t fully tender.
- Go Fresh: Fresh Parmesan tastes richer.
- Add Veggies: Mix in spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for an extra flavor boost.
Nutrition
Tamara Tsaturyan is the owner and writer of Thriving In Parenting, a website focused on providing simple tips for busy parents — easy and healthy recipes, home decor and organization ideas and all things P A R E N T I N G.
Comments & Reviews
bobby says
The chicken needs to be seasoned with salt and pepper. This was ok but nothing to rave about