Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
