Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
Introduction
This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a simple, comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. With minimal prep and rich, cheesy flavors, it combines tender chicken, pasta, and marinara in one easy dish that everyone will love.
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. Lightly grease a 13-inch by 9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Step 2: In the prepared dish (or in a large bowl), combine the uncooked penne pasta, marinara sauce, water, salt, pepper, and diced chicken. For extra flavor, you can add seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Step 3: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Cover tightly with aluminum foil to keep moisture in and bake for 30 minutes.
- Step 4: After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil and stir the casserole. The pasta will still be firm and some liquid may remain, which is normal. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese, Panko breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Step 5: Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted, golden, bubbly, and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Step 6: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh chopped herbs if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For a crispier topping, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end—watch closely to prevent burning.
- Swap penne pasta for rigatoni or ziti for a slightly different texture.
- Add vegetables like chopped spinach or mushrooms to the mixture for extra nutrition.
- Use shredded rotisserie chicken to cut down on cooking time; reduce the initial bake time accordingly.
Storage
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken cut into pieces for even cooking. Using frozen chicken may result in unevenly cooked meat and increase the bake time.
What can I substitute for Panko breadcrumbs?
You can use regular breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or omit them altogether if you prefer. The topping adds crunch but is optional.
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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 a comforting and easy one-dish meal combining tender chicken, penne pasta, marinara sauce, and a crispy, cheesy breadcrumb topping. Perfect for busy weeknights, this casserole requires minimal prep—just mix the ingredients together, bake, then add the cheesy topping for a golden finish. It’s a delicious twist on classic Chicken Parmesan, all baked together in a single dish.
Ingredients
Pasta & Sauce
- 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
Chicken & Cheese
- 1½ lbs. raw chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1–2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or Italian cheese blend)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Topping
- 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 13×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Mix Ingredients: In the prepared dish or in a separate large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked penne pasta, marinara sauce, water, salt, pepper, and diced chicken pieces. For extra flavor, you can add seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or crushed red pepper flakes at this stage.
- Transfer to Baking Dish & Cover: If you mixed ingredients in a bowl, pour the mixture into the greased baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture while the pasta cooks.
- Bake Initial Layer: Place the covered dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes. This allows the pasta to cook in the sauce and the chicken to begin cooking.
- Add Cheese & Breadcrumbs: After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil and stir the casserole. The pasta will still be firm with some liquid remaining, which is normal. Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella (or Italian cheese blend) over the top, then add the Panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese to create a crispy, golden crust when baked.
- Bake Again Uncovered: Return the uncovered casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, the breadcrumb topping is golden brown, and the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
- Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped herbs like basil or parsley if desired. Serve the casserole hot and enjoy your comforting, cheesy chicken parmesan dish!
Notes
- Feel free to add additional seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, Italian herbs, or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
- Check the chicken is cooked thoroughly by ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- You can substitute penne pasta with other short pasta types like rigatoni or rotini.
- The Panko breadcrumbs add a crunchy texture; for a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time, assembled, and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: chicken parmesan casserole, dump and bake, easy chicken casserole, baked pasta dish, penne pasta recipe, one dish meal, comfort food, weeknight dinner
