Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
A comforting and flavorful Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole featuring tender chicken, uncooked penne pasta, marinara sauce, and a golden cheesy topping. This easy, one-dish meal combines baking and layered flavors to create a hearty Italian-inspired dish perfect for busy weeknights.
- 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 24-ounce jar)
- 3 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- 1½ 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. Lightly grease a 13-inch by 9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix Ingredients: In the prepared baking dish or a large bowl, combine uncooked penne pasta, marinara sauce, water, salt, pepper, and diced raw chicken. You may also add garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or crushed red pepper flakes for extra flavor if desired.
- Cover & Bake First Phase: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture, allowing the pasta and chicken to cook evenly. Bake for 30 minutes at 425°F.
- Stir & Add Toppings: 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 shredded mozzarella cheese, Panko breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake Again Uncovered: Return the dish to the oven uncovered. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, bubbly, the breadcrumbs are browned, and the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Serve & Garnish: Remove from the oven and optionally garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley. Serve the casserole hot for a delicious and hearty meal.
Notes
- Cooking time may vary based on your pan material and brand of pasta. Glass or ceramic dishes usually take longer than metal pans.
- Check doneness by tasting pasta; it should be al dente with most liquid absorbed.
- Avoid overcooking to prevent mushy pasta texture.
- Enhance flavor by adding garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, or sundried tomatoes.
- To save time, use pre-cooked chicken by stirring it in and baking until heated through (ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F).
- Substitute penne with other short pasta shapes like rotini or fusilli, using uncooked pasta for proper cooking.
- Cover with foil during the first 30 minutes to trap moisture and ensure tender pasta.
- Casserole can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated before baking.
- Add spiciness with crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños as desired.
Keywords: Chicken Parmesan casserole, easy chicken bake, one-dish pasta, dump and bake recipe, baked chicken pasta, comfort food, quick dinner, Italian casserole
