Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make one-dish meal that combines tender chicken, uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, and a cheesy breadcrumb topping. With minimal prep and no boiling required, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a hearty Italian-inspired dinner with less fuss.
- 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. Lightly grease a 13-inch by 9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix Ingredients: In the prepared baking dish (or a large bowl if preferred), combine the uncooked penne pasta, marinara sauce, water, salt, ground black pepper, and diced raw chicken breast. For enhanced flavor, you may add seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: If mixed in a bowl, pour the mixture into the greased baking dish. Cover tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and moisture, which will cook the pasta and chicken evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Add Cheese & Breadcrumbs: After the initial baking time, carefully remove the foil and stir the casserole to distribute ingredients. The pasta will still be a bit firm and some liquid may remain, which is normal. Sprinkle the top evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese, Panko breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake Again: Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. Bake until the cheese is melted, bubbly, golden brown, the breadcrumb topping is crisp, and the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from oven and optionally garnish with fresh chopped herbs like basil or parsley. Serve the casserole hot and enjoy a delicious, hearty meal.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is diced into small, bite-sized pieces so it cooks fully within the baking time.
- Do not skip covering the dish during the first bake; it is essential for cooking the pasta properly without boiling it separately.
- For added flavor, stir in garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or crushed red pepper flakes when mixing ingredients.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Panko breadcrumbs add a delightful crunch, but you can substitute with regular breadcrumbs if needed.
Keywords: Chicken Parmesan Casserole, dump and bake, easy chicken casserole, one dish meal, baked pasta, family dinner
