Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a comforting, all-in-one meal that combines tender chicken, hearty penne pasta, and rich marinara sauce topped with melted mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and crispy breadcrumbs. Prepared easily by mixing all ingredients and baking, it’s perfect for a family dinner or meal prep with minimal cleanup.
- 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
Main Ingredients
- 1 (16 oz) package uncooked penne pasta
- 3 cups marinara sauce (about 1 jar, 24 oz)
- 3 cups water
- 1 tsp salt
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 ½ lbs raw chicken breast, cut 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 like basil or parsley
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly coat a 13×9-inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking during cooking.
- Combine Ingredients: In the prepared baking dish (or a large bowl), combine uncooked penne pasta, marinara sauce, water, salt, pepper, and bite-sized raw chicken pieces, mixing gently to distribute everything evenly.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture, then bake for 30 minutes. This allows the pasta to absorb the liquid and the chicken to begin cooking.
- Stir and Add Toppings: After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil and stir the casserole. At this point, the pasta will be slightly firm with some liquid remaining. Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella, Panko breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake Uncovered: Return the dish to the oven uncovered, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, the breadcrumbs are golden brown, the pasta is tender, and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh chopped herbs like basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your hearty, cheesy chicken Parmesan casserole!
Notes
- Cooking times may vary depending on the type of baking dish and pasta used; glass or ceramic dishes may require longer baking times.
- Always check the pasta for doneness by tasting a piece; it should be al dente, with most of the liquid absorbed.
- Avoid overcooking to prevent mushy pasta and dry chicken.
- Optional: Add Italian seasoning or minced garlic to the sauce for extra flavor.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
Keywords: Chicken Parmesan casserole, dump-and-bake chicken pasta, easy chicken dinner, baked chicken pasta casserole, family dinner recipe
