Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is quick, requires minimal preparation, and uses one baking dish. It delivers classic chicken parmesan flavor with significantly less effort and cleanup.
Print
Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan: Easy, Cheesy, and Comforting
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan is an easy one-dish meal where chicken, marinara sauce, pasta, and cheese are combined and baked together for a simple, comforting dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked penne or rotini pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups chicken broth or water
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, and chicken broth.
- Stir in diced chicken, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Cover tightly with foil.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes until pasta is tender and chicken is cooked through.
- Remove foil and stir gently.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Add breadcrumbs if using.
- Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- Ensure dish is tightly covered to cook pasta properly.
- Use freshly grated cheese for better melting.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Boneless skinless chicken breasts provide lean protein and tender texture.
Marinara sauce forms the rich, tomato-based foundation.
Mozzarella cheese creates the melty, stretchy topping.
Parmesan cheese adds sharp, nutty flavor.
Italian seasoning enhances the dish with herbal depth.
Garlic powder contributes savory warmth.
Salt sharpens overall flavor.
Black pepper adds mild heat.
Olive oil prevents sticking and adds subtle richness.
Fresh basil can be used for garnish and freshness.
Cooked pasta or rice may be served alongside for a complete meal.
Directions
Preheat the oven and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil. Arrange the chicken breasts evenly in the dish.
Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Pour marinara sauce evenly over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Remove the foil and sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese generously over the top. Return to the oven uncovered and bake until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
Allow the dish to rest briefly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil and serve over pasta or rice if desired.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves four people. Preparation takes approximately 10 minutes, with baking time of 35 to 40 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Variations and Customizations
Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan is highly adaptable. I tested this recipe by adding sliced mushrooms and spinach under the sauce, which added extra flavor and nutrition.
For a crispier topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese before the final bake. You may also substitute provolone for mozzarella for a slightly sharper finish.
If you prefer smaller portions, cut the chicken into smaller pieces before baking to reduce cooking time. These variations allow flexibility while maintaining the classic comfort of the dish.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Protein | 46 g |
| Carbohydrates | 14 g |
| Fat | 30 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 7 g |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Use Even Thickness
Pound chicken lightly for uniform cooking.
Cover Tightly
Foil helps retain moisture during initial baking.
Do Not Overcook
Remove once internal temperature is safe to prevent dryness.
Rest Before Serving
Allow juices to redistribute for better texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Yes, though cooking time may vary slightly.
Do I need to brown the chicken first?
No, the dish is designed to bake entirely in one step.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate before baking.
Is it very saucy?
You can adjust marinara quantity to preference.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, freeze after baking and reheat thoroughly.
What sides pair well?
Pasta, garlic bread, or a simple salad complement it nicely.
Conclusion
Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan offers classic comfort with remarkable ease. Juicy chicken, rich marinara, and melted cheese combine in one simple baking dish to create a satisfying meal that feels both familiar and effortlessly delicious.
Hungry for more? Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!