Chicken Parmesan is one of those comfort foods that always hits the spot. But if you’ve ever made it from scratch, you know it can take quite a bit of time — from breading and frying the chicken to layering and baking. That’s where this Dump-and-Bake Skinny Chicken Parmesan Casserole steps in. This recipe is for anyone who loves the bold, Italian-American flavors of classic chicken Parmesan but wants a simpler, lighter, weeknight-friendly approach.
No breading, no frying, no extra dishes. Just one baking dish, a few simple ingredients, and the oven does the heavy lifting. The result? Juicy chunks of chicken, tender pasta, flavorful marinara, melted mozzarella, and a touch of Parmesan — all baked together in one go. It’s a beautiful thing when comfort food meets convenience.
This casserole is designed for busy families, working professionals, college students, and basically anyone who doesn’t have an hour to spare but still wants something warm, cheesy, and satisfying at the end of the day. It’s also perfect for meal prep. Make a batch at the start of the week, and you’ll have ready-to-go portions that reheat beautifully.
We call it “skinny” because it’s lighter on the calories than traditional versions. We’re skipping the deep-frying and heavy breading, using part-skim cheeses, and building flavor with smart choices like Italian seasoning and garlic powder.
It also adapts well. Prefer turkey instead of chicken? Swap it in. Want to add veggies? Toss in chopped spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms. This dish is a blank canvas for your weeknight cravings.
What makes this recipe truly irresistible is the fact that it delivers on both flavor and texture. The pasta absorbs the marinara and chicken juices, becoming incredibly rich without needing cream or butter. The cheese forms a golden, gooey layer on top. And since everything bakes together, the cleanup is minimal.
This dish has earned its place as a regular in many home kitchens because it’s just that reliable. You know it will taste good, you know it will feed a crowd, and you know it won’t break your back making it.
Another thing worth noting: this recipe is kid-approved. Even picky eaters tend to love cheesy pasta and tender chicken. It’s a great way to introduce younger palates to tomato-based dishes.
Plus, it works for all seasons. In the summer, serve it with a simple side salad. In the winter, it pairs perfectly with garlic bread or roasted vegetables.
Cooking doesn’t always have to be complicated. This dish proves you can take shortcuts without sacrificing flavor or quality.
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 cups uncooked penne pasta (or any short pasta)
- 2.5 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large 9×13-inch baking dish, combine uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Stir to combine well. Add in the raw chicken pieces and mix again.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
- Carefully remove foil, stir the casserole, and check pasta doneness. If still too firm, re-cover and bake another 5–10 minutes.
- Once pasta is al dente and chicken is fully cooked, top evenly with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Return to the oven uncovered and bake for 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped basil or parsley before serving if desired.
Tips:
- Use rotini or fusilli if you don’t have penne.
- Add extra vegetables like diced bell pepper, spinach, or mushrooms for a boost.
- Use pre-cooked chicken if you have leftovers; just reduce baking time by 10 minutes.
- Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes after baking for easier slicing and serving.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
- It’s incredibly easy — one dish, minimal prep.
- No frying, no breading, no hassle.
- It’s family-friendly and kid-approved.
- The flavors are rich, cheesy, and comforting.
- Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays.
- Great for leftovers and meal prep.
- Easy to adapt with your favorite veggies or protein.
This Dump-and-Bake Skinny Chicken Parmesan Casserole brings all the cheesy, saucy comfort of classic chicken parm without the mess. It’s simple, flavorful, and perfect for when you need dinner on the table without a fuss.
