Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
Introduction
This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a simple, comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender chicken, pasta, and rich marinara sauce with a crispy cheesy topping, it’s an all-in-one meal 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 a separate large bowl), combine uncooked penne pasta, marinara sauce, water, salt, pepper, and diced chicken. For extra flavor, you can add seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Step 3: Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish. Cover tightly with aluminum foil to keep moisture in. Bake for 30 minutes.
- Step 4: Remove the foil and stir the casserole. The pasta will still be firm, and some liquid may remain—this is normal. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella, Panko breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
- Step 5: Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, golden, bubbly, and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Step 6: Garnish with fresh chopped herbs if desired, then serve hot and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For deeper flavor, add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce before baking.
- Use a metal baking dish for quicker cooking, or extend baking time if using glass or ceramic dishes.
- Substitute penne for other pasta shapes like rigatoni or ziti, but adjust cooking time if necessary.
- To keep chicken extra tender, dice it into uniform small pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Sprinkle additional Parmesan on top before serving for an extra cheesy finish.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual servings until hot.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken instead of raw chicken?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken to reduce baking time. Add it in Step 2 and adjust the initial baking time to about 20 minutes, then proceed with cheese topping and final baking.
What if I don’t have Panko breadcrumbs?
You can substitute regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers. Panko adds extra crispness, but any crunchy topping will work fine.
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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 a simple, one-dish meal that combines uncooked penne pasta, diced chicken breast, marinara sauce, and cheese for an effortless weeknight dinner. The dish is baked in the oven, allowing the pasta to cook directly in the sauce and water mixture, resulting in a flavorful, cheesy casserole with tender chicken and a crispy, golden breadcrumb topping.
Ingredients
Basic 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
- 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.
- Mix Ingredients: In the prepared baking dish (or a separate large bowl), combine the uncooked penne pasta, marinara sauce, water, salt, ground black pepper, and diced raw chicken breast. For additional flavor, you may add seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or crushed red pepper flakes at this stage.
- Transfer to Baking Dish & Cover: If mixing was done separately, pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and steam the pasta.
- Bake Initial Stage: Bake the covered casserole in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. During this time, the pasta will absorb the liquid and start cooking, and the chicken will begin to cook through.
- Add Cheese & Breadcrumbs: Carefully remove the foil and stir the casserole well. The pasta should still be firm with some remaining liquid, which is normal. Evenly top the casserole with shredded mozzarella cheese (or Italian cheese blend), the panko breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake Again Uncovered: Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. This will melt the cheese, brown the topping, and ensure the chicken is fully cooked and the pasta is tender.
- Serve: Once baked, optionally garnish with fresh chopped herbs like basil or parsley. Serve the casserole hot as a hearty and comforting meal.
Notes
- Cooking Time Variations: Depending on your pan material (glass, ceramic, or metal), pasta brand, and oven type, baking times may vary. Glass and ceramic dishes generally require longer cooking times than metal pans.
- Avoid Overcooking: Monitor the pasta carefully to prevent it from becoming too soft or mushy; al dente texture is ideal.
- Flavor Enhancements: Boost the flavor by adding Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, or even sundried tomatoes to the mix before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Chicken Parmesan, casserole, one-dish meal, baked pasta, easy dinner, penne pasta, cheesy casserole
