Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a quick and comforting one-dish meal featuring tender chicken, al dente penne pasta, and a rich marinara sauce topped with melted mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and crispy breadcrumbs. It’s an effortless, family-friendly dinner that combines the classic flavors of chicken parmesan with the convenience of a casserole, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 (16 oz) package uncooked penne pasta
- 3 cups marinara sauce (about 1 24-ounce jar)
- 3 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 ½ lbs. raw chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
Cheese & Topping
- 1–2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or Italian cheese blend)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
Optional Garnish
- Fresh chopped herbs (such as basil or parsley)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Lightly grease a 13-inch by 9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In the prepared baking dish or a separate large bowl, combine the uncooked penne pasta, marinara sauce, water, salt, ground black pepper, and diced chicken breast. For extra flavor, you can add seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: If mixed in a separate bowl, pour the pasta and chicken mixture into the greased baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture, ensuring the pasta cooks evenly. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes.
- Add Cheese & Breadcrumbs: After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil and stir the casserole. The pasta may be firm with some liquid remaining, which is normal. Evenly sprinkle the top with shredded mozzarella cheese, Panko breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake Again: Return the uncovered casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown, the breadcrumbs are crisp, and the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh chopped herbs like basil or parsley if desired, and serve hot for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Cooking Time Variations: Cooking times may vary depending on the type of baking dish used and the brand of pasta. Glass or ceramic dishes will require more time compared to metal pans. Check the pasta for doneness by tasting a piece; it should be al dente with most of the liquid absorbed.
- Avoid Overcooking: Be careful not to overcook the pasta to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Flavor Enhancements: Boost the flavor by adding Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, or sun-dried tomatoes to the mixture before baking.
Keywords: chicken parmesan casserole, easy chicken casserole, baked chicken pasta, one dish meal, dump and bake recipe, comfort food
