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Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 54 reviews
  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole is an easy, comforting one-dish meal combining tender chicken, al dente penne pasta, and rich marinara sauce topped with a golden, bubbly layer of mozzarella, Parmesan, and crispy Panko breadcrumbs. Perfect for a hassle-free weeknight dinner, it requires minimal prep with the magic of baking all the ingredients together for a flavorful, cheesy delight.

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

  1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a 13-inch by 9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Ingredients: In the prepared baking dish or a large separate bowl, combine the uncooked penne pasta, marinara sauce, water, salt, ground black pepper, and diced raw chicken breast. For added flavor, you can stir in seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or crushed red pepper flakes.
  3. Transfer to Baking Dish & Cover: If mixed separately, pour the combined pasta and chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture, helping the pasta cook evenly and absorb the sauce. Bake for 30 minutes.
  4. Add Cheese & Breadcrumb Topping: After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil and stir the casserole to distribute ingredients evenly. The pasta will still be firm and some liquid might remain, which is normal at this stage. Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese, Panko breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
  5. Bake Again Uncovered: Return the uncovered casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and browned, the breadcrumb topping is golden and crisp, and the chicken is fully cooked through.
  6. Garnish & Serve: Remove from the oven and optionally garnish with freshly chopped herbs such as basil or parsley. Serve the casserole hot for a comforting meal.

Notes

  • Cooking Time Variations: Depending on your oven type, brand of pasta, and the baking dish used (glass or ceramic dishes generally require longer baking times than metal pans), cooking times may vary. Check doneness by tasting the pasta; it should be al dente with most of the liquid absorbed.
  • Avoid Overcooking: To prevent mushy pasta, keep an eye on the baking time especially during the second bake after adding cheese.
  • Flavor Enhancements: Boost flavor by adding Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, or sundried tomatoes to the sauce mixture before baking.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: Chicken Parmesan, Casserole, One-Pot Meal, Easy Dinner, Baked Pasta, Family Meal, Comfort Food

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Find it online: https://bitesbyolivia.com/dump-and-bake-chicken-parmesan-casserole-recipe-2/