Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole is an easy, comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. It combines tender chicken, pasta, and melted cheese in one simple dish that requires minimal prep and delivers big flavor.

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
• 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

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Lightly grease a 13-inch by 9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Step 2: In the prepared dish or a large bowl, combine uncooked penne pasta, marinara sauce, water, salt, pepper, and diced chicken. For extra flavor, you can add garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or crushed red pepper flakes.
3. Step 3: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and cover tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture.
4. Step 4: Bake covered for 30 minutes.
5. Step 5: Remove the foil and stir the casserole. The pasta may still be firm and some liquid might remain, which is normal.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle the top evenly with mozzarella cheese, Panko breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese.
7. Step 7: Bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, golden, bubbly, and the chicken is fully cooked.
8. Step 8: Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, then serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• Use Italian seasoning or fresh garlic for deeper flavor.
• Swap penne for rigatoni or ziti if preferred.
• For a crispy topping, broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes after baking.
• Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or microwave individual portions. The texture may soften slightly after refrigeration.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken instead of raw?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken. Reduce the initial covered baking time to about 20 minutes since the chicken is already cooked, then proceed with adding the cheese and baking uncovered.

Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the casserole up to the covered baking step, then refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the covered baking time to ensure the chicken and pasta cook through.

Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 53 reviews

This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a comforting and convenient one-dish meal that combines uncooked penne pasta, tender diced chicken breast, marinara sauce, and a cheesy breadcrumb topping. It’s an effortless recipe where all ingredients are combined and baked together, producing a flavorful, bubbly casserole that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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
• 1½ lbs. raw chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces

Toppings

• 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

1. 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 and make cleanup easier.
2. Mix Ingredients: In the prepared baking dish (or a large bowl), combine the uncooked penne pasta, marinara sauce, water, salt, pepper, and diced raw chicken breast. Optionally, add seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or crushed red pepper flakes to enhance flavor.
3. Transfer to Baking Dish & Cover: If you mixed in a bowl, pour the mixture into the baking dish. Cover tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and help the pasta cook evenly while preventing it from drying out.
4. Bake Covered: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. This allows the pasta to soften and the chicken to start cooking in the sauce.
5. Add Cheese & Breadcrumbs: After 30 minutes of baking, carefully remove the foil and stir the casserole to evenly distribute ingredients. Top the mixture with shredded mozzarella cheese, Panko breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese to create a golden, bubbly crust.
6. Bake Uncovered: Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown, and the chicken is fully cooked. The topping should be nicely browned and crispy.
7. Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh chopped herbs like basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your hearty chicken Parmesan casserole.

Notes

• Ensure to dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces so it cooks evenly within the baking time.
• Use a full 24-ounce jar of marinara sauce to provide adequate sauce for the pasta and chicken.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, add crushed red pepper flakes or chili powder when mixing the ingredients.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Using a high-sided baking dish helps contain the bubbling sauce and prevents spills in the oven.

Keywords: Chicken Parmesan Casserole, Dump and Bake, Easy Chicken Dinner, Pasta Bake, One Dish Meal, Comfort Food, Italian Casserole