Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
Introduction
This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a simple, comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with tender chicken, hearty pasta, and melted cheese, it delivers classic Italian flavors with minimal effort. Just mix, bake, and enjoy a delicious dinner in under an hour.
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
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Lightly grease a 13-inch by 9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Step 2: In the prepared dish or a large bowl, combine the 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.
- Step 3: Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish. Cover tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and bake for 30 minutes.
- Step 4: After baking, remove the foil and stir the casserole. The pasta will be firm with some liquid remaining, which is normal.
- Step 5: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella, Panko breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan evenly over the top.
- Step 6: Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, golden, and the chicken is cooked through.
- Step 7: Garnish with fresh chopped herbs if desired, then serve hot and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For a smokier flavor, try adding sun-dried tomatoes or Italian sausage in place of chicken.
- Use glass or ceramic baking dishes for even cooking, but adjust baking time as these may take longer than metal pans.
- To avoid mushy pasta, check for al dente texture before removing from the oven.
- Mix in additional herbs like oregano or basil into the sauce for extra freshness.
- Replace Panko with crushed seasoned crackers for a different crunch.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave covered until warmed through or bake in a 350°F oven until heated. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain the best texture and flavor.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute penne with other sturdy pasta shapes like rigatoni, ziti, or rotini. Just ensure they are similar in size and shape for even cooking.
Is it necessary to cover the dish with foil during the first bake?
Covering with foil traps steam and helps the pasta cook evenly without drying out. It also ensures the chicken cooks properly while keeping the sauce from evaporating too much.
Print
Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a simple, comforting one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, diced raw chicken, and a blend of cheeses, it’s baked until bubbly and golden. The easy preparation and minimal cleanup make it an ideal family-friendly dinner that’s full of classic Italian flavors.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 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
Chicken and Cheese
- 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
Topping and Garnish
- 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 large bowl, combine the uncooked penne pasta, marinara sauce, water, salt, pepper, and diced raw chicken breast. For added flavor, you can mix in seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Transfer to Baking Dish & Cover: If you mixed the ingredients in a separate bowl, pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Cover tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and ensure the pasta cooks evenly.
- Bake Initial: Bake covered in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This will cook the pasta and chicken through partially, with the pasta remaining firm and some liquid left in the dish.
- Add Cheese & Breadcrumb Topping: Remove the foil and gently stir the casserole. Even if the pasta is still slightly firm, this is normal. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese, Panko breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake Again Uncovered: Return the baking dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. Bake until the cheese has melted, is golden and bubbly, the topping is browned, and the chicken is completely cooked through.
- Serve: Optionally garnish with fresh chopped herbs like basil or parsley. Serve the casserole hot and enjoy a hearty, comforting meal.
Notes
- Cooking Time Variations: Cooking time may vary depending on the type of baking dish used (glass or ceramic takes longer than metal) and the pasta brand. Check doneness by tasting pasta; it should be al dente with most liquid absorbed.
- Avoid Overcooking: Be careful not to overcook the pasta to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Flavor Enhancements: Boost flavor by adding seasonings such as Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, or sundried tomatoes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Chicken Parmesan, Casserole, One-Dish Meal, Baked Pasta, Easy Dinner, Comfort Food, Italian
