Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole is an easy, comforting one-dish meal featuring tender diced chicken, penne pasta, marinara sauce, and a crispy, cheesy breadcrumb topping. Simply combine the ingredients, bake covered until the pasta is nearly cooked, then add cheese and breadcrumbs for a golden, bubbly finish. A perfect weeknight dinner packed with classic Italian flavors and minimal prep.
- 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
For the Casserole:
- 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
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
- 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 the uncooked penne pasta, marinara sauce, water, salt, pepper, and diced chicken breast. For extra flavor, you may add seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Transfer to Baking Dish & Cover: If you mixed in a bowl, pour the mixture into the greased baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and help the pasta cook evenly inside the oven.
- Bake Covered: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. During this time, the pasta will absorb the liquid and begin to cook, and the chicken will start to cook through.
- Add Cheese & Breadcrumbs: Remove the foil carefully, then stir the casserole. It’s normal if the pasta is still firm and some liquid remains. Evenly top the casserole with shredded mozzarella cheese, Panko breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese for a crispy, cheesy crust.
- Bake Uncovered: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. Bake until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly, the breadcrumbs are browned, and the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Serve: Let cool for a few minutes, garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley if desired, and serve hot for a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- Use a baking dish large enough to hold all ingredients comfortably, ideally 13×9 inches.
- Adding seasonings like garlic powder, Italian herbs, or crushed red pepper can enhance flavor.
- Make sure the chicken is diced evenly to ensure thorough cooking.
- You can substitute penne with another short pasta like rigatoni or ziti.
- Keep an eye on the breadcrumb topping while baking uncovered to prevent burning.
- Leftovers store well covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
Keywords: Chicken Parmesan casserole, dump and bake chicken, easy Italian casserole, baked pasta, one-dish chicken dinner
