A garlic chicken parmesan bake is the perfect go-to dish for anyone who loves the classic flavors of chicken parmesan but wants something a little more hands-off.
photo by Modern Proper
Why You'll Love this Recipe
- It combines two beloved dishes—Chicken Parmesan and pasta—into one delicious meal.
It's incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite pasta shape, cheese blend, or even add veggies for a nutritious twist.
It's a time-saver! Unlike traditional Chicken Parmesan recipes that require separate cooking of chicken and pasta, this dump-and-bake version streamlines the process without compromising on flavor.
You may also like my Cream sauce for gnocchi, ground beef, or chicken stroganoff, or my Italian Pastina soup recipe.
The Secret to this Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake: No Boiling Required!
Yes, you read that right—no need to boil the pasta or cook the chicken separately! One of the best things about baked chicken parmesan pasta is its simplicity. By using uncooked pasta and raw chicken, you'll save time and effort without sacrificing taste. As the dish bakes in the oven, the pasta cooks to al dente perfection, while the chicken becomes tender and juicy, infused with the flavors of marinara and cheese. It's a hands-off approach that yields fantastic results every time.
FAQ about Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the penne or rigatoni for your favorite pasta shape. Just ensure it's uncooked when adding it to the dish and note the cooking times may be a different.
Total cooking time will vary depending on the type of pan that you use, the pasta you use, and your oven. Glass or ceramic baking dishes will take longer than metal pans, for instance. To know when your casserole is done, taste a bite of the pasta. The noodles should be al dente and much of the liquid should be absorbed.
Add more garlic. This recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Consider 1 ¼ teaspoon or 4 garlic cloves.
How to Make this Recipe
Dump all the ingredients into a baking dish, stir, cover tightly and bake.
Expert Tip
If possible, shred your own cheese; it melts better and is creamier than pre-shredded cheese. But Be careful not to overbake the casserole or the pasta will become mushy.
Make this Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake! It's the ultimate comfort food that's both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. With no need to boil the pasta or cook the chicken separately, it's a convenient option for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. So, gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try! Your taste buds will thank you.
Chicken Parmesan Bake
Ingredients
- 16 ounces dry Rigatoni noodles
- 1- ½ pound skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-size cubes
- 1 24 ounce jar of store-bought marinara sauce (I use Raos)
- 1 jar full of water or 3 cups
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 3 garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes to taste optional
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese shredded (about 2 cups or more if desired)*
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
- Fresh chopped basil optional but delicious
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Spray a 13-inch by 9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In the prepared baking dish, add uncooked pasta, raw chicken, marinara sauce, water, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix to combine.
- Cover tightly with aluminum foil. Make sure that your dish is covered tightly so that none of the moisture escapes (the pasta needs to absorb the liquid as it cooks). Bake the covered dish for 35-40 minutes. Don't peek because it will cool the oven and take a lot longer to cook.
- At this point, the pasta will still be firm, and there will still be quite a bit of liquid in the dish.
- Spread mozzarella over the top and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake uncovered for 10-15 more minutes or until the cheese is melted and the pasta is tender. If the pasta is still not cooked through, see the notes below.
Lauren Lane says
One of my most popular recipes because it's just a dump bake. Take all the ingredients and pop it in a casserole dish. A real crowd, pleaser and endlessly customizable. I hope you love it. Tell me what you think!