Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole
This simple, one-pan chicken Parmesan casserole is the perfect dinner for busy weeknights.
With just a few basic ingredients, including tender chicken, pasta, marinara sauce, and melted cheese, it’s an effortless, hearty meal that the whole family will love.
No need to stand over the stove—just dump everything in, bake, and enjoy!
You’ll have a delicious, comforting dish ready in no time, with minimal clean-up afterward.
If creamy, cheesy casseroles are your thing, you have to try my Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole with a rich white sauce next.
It’s one of the most popular recipes on the blog, and so many readers tell me it’s become a regular on their dinner menu!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this casserole perfect for busy weeknights.
- Family-friendly: Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken, it’s a meal that both kids and adults will happily enjoy.
- Perfect for meal prep: Make it ahead of time and bake when you’re ready, or enjoy the leftovers for easy lunches.
- Budget-friendly: Made with affordable pantry staples and leftover or rotisserie chicken to help stretch your grocery budget.
- Rich and comforting: Every bite is loaded with creamy sauce, gooey melted cheese, and a buttery, crispy breadcrumb topping.
- Easy to customize: Add your favorite vegetables, swap the cheese, or season it with a little heat to make it your own.
- Great for feeding a crowd: This hearty casserole serves several people, making it ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings.
- Minimal cleanup: Everything comes together in one baking dish, so you’ll spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal.
For Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole
- Penne Pasta – The base of the casserole, perfectly absorbing all the flavors while it bakes.
- Marinara Sauce – Adds a rich, tangy flavor that brings the dish together.
- Water – Helps the pasta cook and absorb all the delicious sauce as it bakes.
- Salt & Pepper – Basic seasonings to elevate the overall flavor of the dish.
- Chicken Breast – Diced into bite-sized pieces for tender chunks of protein in every bite.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – Melts beautifully over the casserole, giving that gooey, cheesy goodness.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese – Adds an extra layer of savory, sharp flavor that complements the mozzarella.
- Panko Breadcrumbs – Creates a crispy, golden topping for that perfect contrast of textures.
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh Basil or Parsley – For a burst of fresh flavor and a colorful touch.
Simple Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or butter a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the casserole from sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Since the pasta will continue cooking in the oven, avoid overcooking it. Drain well and return it to the pot.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
Add the diced cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, and ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese to the cooked pasta. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then stir until everything is evenly combined and the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Add the remaining pasta mixture, spreading it into an even layer, then finish with the remaining 1 cup cheddar cheese and the ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 5: Add the Crispy Topping
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the melted butter until evenly coated. Sprinkle the mixture over the top of the casserole to create a delicious golden, crunchy crust as it bakes.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, the casserole is bubbling around the edges, and the breadcrumb topping is lightly golden. For an extra crispy finish, broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Step 7: Let It Rest and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This helps the casserole set, making it easier to scoop. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole
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- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well.
- Return the pasta to the pot. Add the diced chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, then spread the remaining pasta mixture evenly over it.
- Top with the remaining 1 cup cheddar cheese and sprinkle 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the casserole.
- In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the cheese.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the topping is golden brown.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional parsley if desired and enjoy warm.
Variations & Tips
- Stir in vegetables like broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, or peas for extra nutrition.
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that makes this recipe even easier.
- Substitute gluten-free penne if needed.
- Assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Freeze before baking for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed.
- For an even crispier topping, broil the casserole for 1–2 minutes after baking, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Nutrition
Calories: 650kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 40g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 21g | Cholesterol: 140mg | Sodium: 1,150mg | Potassium: 460mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 980IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 610mg | Iron: 2mg
1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken to save time?
Yes, absolutely! Using pre-cooked chicken works perfectly. Just stir it in with the pasta, marinara, and other ingredients before baking. Since the chicken is already cooked, make sure the casserole reaches 165°F during baking to ensure it’s fully heated through.
2. What if I don’t have penne pasta—can I use a different type?
No problem! Feel free to swap penne for other short pasta shapes like rotini, rigatoni, or fusilli. Just remember to use uncooked pasta to allow it to cook properly in the casserole.
3. Do I need to cover the dish with foil during the first 30 minutes of baking?
Yes! Covering the dish with foil traps the moisture and helps the pasta cook properly. It keeps everything nice and tender, ensuring no dryness while the pasta absorbs the flavors.
4. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Definitely! Assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven. This is a great way to get dinner on the table even faster!
5. How can I make this casserole spicier?
If you love a bit of heat, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes into the sauce or add diced jalapeños when mixing the ingredients. You can easily adjust the spice level to your liking!
Looking for another easy dinner idea? My Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole with a creamy white sauce is another reader favorite. It’s just as simple to make, incredibly comforting, and perfect for those nights when you’re craving something extra cheesy.
