Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
Introduction
This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a simple, comforting dish that combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and melted cheese all in one pan. It’s an easy, no-fuss meal perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a hearty Italian-inspired dinner without much cleanup.
Ingredients
- 1 (16 oz) package uncooked penne pasta
- 3 cups marinara sauce (about 1 jar, 24 oz)
- 3 cups water
- 1 tsp salt
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 ½ lbs raw chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1-2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or Italian cheese blend)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- Optional: Fresh chopped herbs like basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F and lightly coat a 13×9-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Step 2: In the prepared dish (or in a large separate bowl), combine the uncooked penne, marinara sauce, water, salt, pepper, and raw chicken. Mix gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Step 3: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and cover tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture. Bake for 30 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb the liquid and the chicken to cook through.
- Step 4: After 30 minutes, remove the foil and stir the mixture gently. The pasta may still be firm and there might be some liquid remaining—that’s normal.
- Step 5: Evenly top the casserole with shredded mozzarella cheese, then sprinkle with Panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Step 6: Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, the topping is golden brown, the pasta is tender, and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Step 7: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your easy, delicious casserole!
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of Italian seasoning or garlic powder to the sauce mixture before baking.
- Use Italian sausage or ground turkey instead of chicken for a different twist.
- Try mixing in some vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition and texture.
- If you prefer a crispier topping, broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes at the end—but watch carefully to avoid burning.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through or in a 350°F oven covered with foil to prevent drying, about 15 minutes.
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, which hold up well during baking.
Do I need to cook the chicken before baking?
No, the chicken is cooked in the casserole during the baking process, but be sure to cut it into bite-sized pieces so it cooks evenly.
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Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole is an easy, one-dish meal combining uncooked pasta, raw chicken, marinara sauce, and cheese. Simply mix the ingredients in a baking dish, bake covered to cook the pasta and chicken, then uncover to melt the cheese and brown the topping. The result is a comforting, cheesy casserole perfect for a family dinner with minimal prep and cleanup.
Ingredients
Pasta & Sauce
- 1 (16 oz) package uncooked penne pasta
- 3 cups marinara sauce (about 1 jar, 24 oz)
- 3 cups water
- 1 tsp salt
- Ground black pepper, to taste
Chicken & Cheese
- 1½ lbs raw chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1–2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or Italian cheese blend)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Topping & Garnish
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- Optional: Fresh chopped herbs like basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F and lightly coat a 13×9-inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Combine Ingredients: In the prepared baking dish or a large bowl, combine the uncooked penne pasta, marinara sauce, water, salt, ground black pepper, and bite-sized raw chicken pieces. Mix everything well so the pasta and chicken are evenly coated.
- Initial Bake Covered: Transfer the mixture to the baking dish if combined outside, then cover tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture. Bake for 30 minutes allowing the pasta to absorb the liquid and the chicken to start cooking.
- Stir After Covered Bake: Remove the foil carefully and stir the casserole. At this point, the pasta will still be slightly firm, and there may be some liquid remaining, which is normal and desired for moistness.
- Add Toppings: Evenly top the casserole with shredded mozzarella cheese, then sprinkle with Panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese to create a crispy, cheesy crust.
- Final Bake Uncovered: Return the casserole to the oven uncovered and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, the topping is golden brown, the pasta is tender, and the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy a comforting, cheesy chicken parmesan casserole.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken pieces are cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Do not skip covering the dish during initial baking to keep the pasta moist and help cook the chicken.
- Panko breadcrumbs add a crunchy texture to the topping; regular breadcrumbs can be used as a substitute.
- Adjust the amount of cheese based on your preference—more for extra cheesiness, less for a lighter dish.
- Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley for garnish to enhance flavor and presentation.
- Check that chicken is cooked thoroughly before serving by cutting a piece to ensure it is no longer pink inside.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: chicken parmesan casserole, dump and bake, easy chicken dinner, baked pasta casserole, cheesy chicken pasta, one dish meal
