Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole is an easy, comforting one-pan meal that combines uncooked pasta, chicken, and marinara sauce baked to cheesy perfection. With minimal prep and a simple layering of ingredients, it’s a perfect family dinner featuring tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a golden, bubbly cheese topping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and 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 and Toppings
- 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
- 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.
- Mix Ingredients: In the prepared baking dish (or a large bowl), combine uncooked penne pasta, marinara sauce, water, salt, pepper, and diced chicken breast. For extra flavor, feel free to add seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: If mixed in a bowl, pour the mixture into the greased baking dish. Cover tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture and help the pasta cook evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Add Cheese & Breadcrumbs: After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil and stir the casserole. The pasta will still be slightly firm and some liquid might remain, which is expected. Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese, Panko breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake Again: Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, golden brown on top, and the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with fresh chopped herbs if desired, and serve hot for a delicious, hearty meal.
Notes
- Cooking Time Variations: Baking times may vary depending on your pan type, pasta brand, and oven. Glass or ceramic dishes generally require more time than metal pans. Test doneness by tasting the pasta; it should be al dente, and most liquid absorbed.
- Avoid Overcooking: Be careful not to overcook the pasta to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Flavor Enhancements: For added flavor, consider mixing in Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, or sun-dried tomatoes.
Keywords: chicken parmesan casserole, dump and bake, easy chicken pasta, baked penne, one dish dinner, comfort food, cheesy chicken casserole
