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Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 124 reviews
  • Author: Gabriel
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole is an easy, all-in-one meal perfect for busy weeknights. Uncooked pasta, diced chicken, marinara sauce, and seasonings are combined in a baking dish and baked to bubbly perfection, then topped with mozzarella, Parmesan, and crunchy breadcrumbs for a cheesy, comforting finish. No boiling required, just dump ingredients, bake, and enjoy a delicious homemade casserole with minimal prep and cleanup.

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

Cheeses & Topping

  • 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. 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 separate large bowl, combine the uncooked penne pasta, marinara sauce, water, salt, black pepper, and diced raw chicken. For extra flavor, you can add seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
  3. Transfer to Baking Dish: If you mixed in a bowl, pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and help the pasta cook evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
  4. Add Cheese & Breadcrumbs: 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. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and Panko breadcrumbs over the top.
  5. Bake Again: Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, golden brown, and the chicken is fully cooked through.
  6. Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped herbs like basil or parsley if desired. Serve the casserole hot and enjoy!

Notes

  • Cooking times can vary depending on oven type and baking dish material; glass or ceramic pans tend to take longer than metal.
  • To check doneness, taste the pasta to ensure it is al dente with most liquid absorbed; avoid overcooking to prevent mushy pasta.
  • Enhance flavors by adding Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, or sundried tomatoes when mixing ingredients.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: Chicken Parmesan, Casserole, Dump-and-Bake, Easy Dinner, Pasta Bake, Cheesy Chicken, Weeknight Meal

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