Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
Introduction
This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a simple, comforting meal that combines tender chicken, pasta, and cheese in one easy dish. Perfect for busy nights, it requires minimal prep and delivers plenty of classic Italian flavors.
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 and 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 pasta, marinara sauce, water, salt, pepper, and diced chicken. For added flavor, you can mix in seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Step 3: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and cover tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture during cooking. Bake for 30 minutes.
- Step 4: Remove the foil and stir the casserole. The pasta will still be firm and some liquid may remain, which is normal. Sprinkle the mozzarella, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Step 5: Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, bubbly, and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Step 6: Garnish with fresh chopped herbs if desired and serve hot.
Tips & Variations
- To boost flavor, try adding sun-dried tomatoes or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes before baking.
- Use Italian seasoning or garlic powder in the initial mix for a richer taste.
- Swap penne for other sturdy pasta shapes like rigatoni or ziti if you prefer.
- For a crispier topping, broil the cheese and breadcrumbs for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Adding a splash of water before reheating can help keep the pasta moist.
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, but reduce the initial baking time since the chicken only needs to heat through. Keep an eye on the pasta to ensure it cooks properly.
What if I don’t have Panko breadcrumbs?
You can substitute regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for the topping. For extra crunch, toasting them lightly before adding on top can help.
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Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole is an easy, one-dish meal combining penne pasta, tender chicken breast, and rich marinara sauce baked to perfection with a golden, cheesy breadcrumb topping. Perfect for busy weeknights, it delivers comforting Italian flavors with minimal prep and cleanup.
Ingredients
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
Cheese and Topping
- 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, combine the uncooked penne pasta, marinara sauce, water, salt, ground black pepper, and diced raw chicken. For added flavor, you may incorporate seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Transfer to Baking Dish & Cover: If you mixed in a bowl, pour the mixture into the greased baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and promote even cooking while the pasta and chicken bake.
- Bake Covered: Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. This initial baking softens the pasta and begins cooking the chicken.
- Add Cheese & Breadcrumbs: After 30 minutes, remove the foil and gently stir the casserole. The pasta will still be firm and some liquid may remain, which is normal. Evenly sprinkle mozzarella cheese, Panko breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake Uncovered: Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. Bake until the cheese melts, bubbles and turns golden brown, the breadcrumbs are toasted, and the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh chopped herbs like basil or parsley if desired, and serve hot. This hearty casserole is perfect for a satisfying family meal.
Notes
- Cooking Time Variations: Cooking time may vary based on your pan type, pasta brand, and oven temperature. Glass or ceramic dishes may require longer baking times than metal pans.
- Avoid Overcooking: Taste the pasta to ensure it is cooked al dente and avoid overcooking to prevent mushy texture.
- Flavor Enhancements: For more depth, add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, or sundried tomatoes when mixing the ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: chicken parmesan casserole, easy chicken casserole, dump and bake recipe, Italian casserole, baked penne pasta, family dinner, one dish meal
