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

Scale

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