Creamy Cheesy Chicken Marinara Bake (Gluten-Free)

This Easy One Pan Creamy Chicken Marinara Bake is a flavorful gluten-free Italian-inspired dinner made with tender chicken, a rich creamy marinara sauce made from scratch, vegetables, and melted mozzarella cheese. Everything cooks together in one pan, making this a simple weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.

Ready under an hour!

Key Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Marinara Bake

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts make this recipe simple and lean. For the most tender results, choose chicken breasts that are similar in size so they cook evenly.

Substitution: Boneless chicken thighs work beautifully and stay extra juicy.

Crushed Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes create the base of the homemade marinara sauce.

Substitution: Fire-roasted crushed tomatoes add a deeper, smoky flavor. You can also use a gluten-free jarred marinara sauce to save time.

Cream: A small amount of cream transforms the tomato sauce into a creamy marinara without making it overly heavy.

Substitution: Half-and-half, dairy-free cream, or omit for a lighter sauce.

Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella gives this chicken bake its signature cheesy topping and melts beautifully over the sauce.

Substitution: Provolone, fontina, or an Italian cheese blend.

Vegetables: Carrots and bell peppers add natural sweetness and texture.

Substitution: Try zucchini, mushrooms, or your favorite vegetables.

How to Make This Easy One Pan Creamy Chicken Marinara Bake

1. Make the Creamy Homemade Creamy Marinara Sauce

Start by sautéing the onion and garlic, then build the sauce with Italian herbs, vegetables, crushed tomatoes, and a splash of cream. The sauce simmers briefly in the same pan used for baking, keeping cleanup simple. If you are short on time, you can also use your favorite gluten-free marinara sauce, and stir in the cream for a quick shortcut. 

2. Add the Chicken and Cheese

Once the sauce is ready, add the chicken breasts directly to the pan and top everything with mozzarella cheese. The chicken cooks right in the creamy marinara sauce, absorbing all the Italian-inspired flavors.

3. Bake Until Tender and Cheesy

The chicken bake finishes in the oven until the chicken is tender and the mozzarella is melted and bubbly. Garnish with fresh basil or Parmesan before serving if desired.

My Kitchen Tested Tips for the Best Chicken Marinara Bake

• Use freshly shredded mozzarella for the best melt. Pre-shredded cheese often contains starches that can affect texture.
• If chicken breasts are very thick, slice them horizontally so they cook evenly.
• Cut vegetables into small pieces so they soften quickly in the sauce.
• Add extra red pepper flakes for a spicy Italian chicken bake
• Don’t skip the cream, it creates the signature creamy marinara flavor.
• Let the chicken bake rest for a few minutes before serving so the sauce thickens slightly.
• Add fresh basil or Parmesan before serving for extra Italian flavor

What to Serve with Creamy Chicken Marinara Bake

I like to serve this delicious chicken bake with marinara sauce with gluten-free pasta. However, you can add rice or these delicious simple potatoes with parsley and garlic. If you want to keep this chicken dinner low carb, serve it with cauliflower mash, or my Easy Gluten-Free Summer Pasta Salad.

My favorite way to serve this Creamy Chicken Marinara is with my Tear and Share Gluten Free Garlic Bread, or with my Gluten-Free Homemade Italian Bread…YUM!

How to Store and Reheat Chicken Marinara Bake

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze individual portions for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Warm gently in a covered skillet or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce needs loosening.

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Hi, I’m Kristina, a gluten-free recipe developer creating and testing recipes since 2012. Every recipe on this site is made in my kitchen and personally tested (with the help of my very honest family!).

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