Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole is an easy, comforting one-dish meal featuring tender bite-sized chicken pieces cooked with penne pasta in a flavorful marinara sauce, topped with a cheesy golden breadcrumb crust. Perfect for busy weeknights, it combines the classic flavors of chicken parmesan into a hassle-free casserole that requires minimal prep and baking time.
- 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
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 (220°C). 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, ground black pepper, and diced raw chicken breast. For enhanced flavor, you can optionally add seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Transfer to Baking Dish & Cover: If mixed in a separate bowl, pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Cover tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and moisture, which helps cook the pasta and chicken evenly.
- Bake Covered: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. During this time, the pasta will absorb liquid and the chicken will start cooking.
- Add Cheese & Breadcrumbs: Carefully remove the foil and stir the casserole gently. The pasta may still be firm, and some liquid remains – this is normal. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella (or Italian cheese blend), Panko breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake Uncovered: Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown, the breadcrumbs are toasted, and the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Serve: Garnish the casserole with freshly chopped herbs like basil or parsley if desired, and serve hot for a satisfying dinner.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is diced into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Use a high-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor.
- Covering the dish with foil is essential during the initial bake to steam the pasta properly.
- You can customize the seasoning with additional spices such as Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or red pepper flakes as preferred.
- Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking to thicken and set before serving.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
Keywords: Chicken Parmesan, Casserole, Baked Pasta, One-Dish Meal, Italian, Easy Dinner
