Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 78 reviews
  • Author: Victor
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole is an effortless and delicious one-pan meal that combines uncooked penne pasta, raw chicken breast, marinara sauce, and a blend of cheeses baked to bubbly perfection. The recipe requires minimal prep and uses a simple layering technique, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that delivers classic chicken parmesan flavors without the fuss of breading and frying chicken.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and 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 and Toppings

  • 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

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly coat a 13×9-inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In the prepared baking dish or a large bowl, mix together the uncooked penne pasta, marinara sauce, water, salt, ground black pepper, and bite-sized raw chicken pieces. This ensures even distribution of flavors and liquids for the pasta to cook properly.
  3. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb the liquid and the chicken to partially cook in the sauce.
  4. Stir the Mixture: Carefully remove the foil and stir the casserole to distribute heat evenly. The pasta will be slightly firm, and some liquid remaining is normal at this stage.
  5. Add Cheese and Toppings: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the casserole, followed by the Panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese to create a crispy, cheesy topping.
  6. Bake Uncovered: Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is fully melted, the topping is golden brown, the pasta is tender, and the chicken is fully cooked through.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting Chicken Parmesan Casserole.

Notes

  • You can substitute penne with other similar pasta shapes like rigatoni or ziti if desired.
  • For extra flavor, add Italian seasoning or garlic powder when combining the raw ingredients.
  • Make sure the chicken is cut into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
  • If you like a crispier topping, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: chicken parmesan, casserole, dump and bake, one pan meal, easy dinner, baked pasta, chicken pasta bake, comfort food

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://tastywithvictor.com/dump-and-bake-chicken-parmesan-casserole-recipe/