Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole
This simple, one-pan chicken Parmesan casserole is the perfect dinner for busy weeknights.
With just a few basic ingredients, including tender chicken, pasta, marinara sauce, and melted cheese, it’s an effortless, hearty meal that the whole family will love.
No need to stand over the stove—just dump everything in, bake, and enjoy!
You’ll have a delicious, comforting dish ready in no time, with minimal clean-up afterward.
For Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole
- Penne Pasta – The base of the casserole, perfectly absorbing all the flavors while it bakes.
- Marinara Sauce – Adds a rich, tangy flavor that brings the dish together.
- Water – Helps the pasta cook and absorb all the delicious sauce as it bakes.
- Salt & Pepper – Basic seasonings to elevate the overall flavor of the dish.
- Chicken Breast – Diced into bite-sized pieces for tender chunks of protein in every bite.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – Melts beautifully over the casserole, giving that gooey, cheesy goodness.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese – Adds an extra layer of savory, sharp flavor that complements the mozzarella.
- Panko Breadcrumbs – Creates a crispy, golden topping for that perfect contrast of textures.
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh Basil or Parsley – For a burst of fresh flavor and a colorful touch.
Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Craving a hearty, cheesy, and comforting meal but short on time? This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole is the ultimate one-pan wonder, combining tender chicken, melty cheese, and flavorful marinara all baked together with pasta for an effortlessly delicious dinner your whole family will love.
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Servings: 8
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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
- 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. - Mix Ingredients:
In the prepared dish (or a separate large bowl), combine uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, water, salt, pepper, and diced chicken. For extra flavor, consider adding seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder Italian seasoning, or crushed red pepper flakes. - Transfer to Baking Dish:
Pour the pasta and chicken mixture into the prepared dish. Cover tightly with aluminum foil to ensure no moisture escapes as the pasta cooks. Bake for 30 minutes. - Add Cheese & Breadcrumbs:
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and stir the casserole. The pasta will still be firm, and there may be some liquid left—this is normal! Top with mozzarella, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese. - Bake Again:
Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly, the top is browned, and the chicken is fully cooked through. - Serve:
Garnish with fresh herbs (optional) and serve hot!
Notes:
- Cooking Time Variations: The cooking time may differ based on your choice of pan, pasta brand, and oven type. Glass or ceramic dishes will take longer than metal pans. To check if the casserole is done, taste a piece of pasta. It should be al dente and the liquid mostly absorbed.
- Avoid Overcooking: Be cautious not to overcook the pasta, as it may become mushy.
- Flavor Enhancements: Add flavor boosters like Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, or sundried tomatoes.
Nutrition
Calories: 421 kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 68mg | Sodium: 1116mg | Potassium: 779mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 545 IU | Vitamin C: 7.4mg | Calcium: 224mg | Iron: 2.4mg
- Can I use pre-cooked chicken to save time?
Yes, absolutely! Using pre-cooked chicken works perfectly. Just stir it in with the pasta, marinara, and other ingredients before baking. Since the chicken is already cooked, make sure the casserole reaches 165°F during baking to ensure it’s fully heated through.
- What if I don’t have penne pasta—can I use a different type?
No problem! Feel free to swap penne for other short pasta shapes like rotini, rigatoni, or fusilli. Just remember to use uncooked pasta to allow it to cook properly in the casserole.
- Do I need to cover the dish with foil during the first 30 minutes of baking?
Yes! Covering the dish with foil traps the moisture and helps the pasta cook properly. It keeps everything nice and tender, ensuring no dryness while the pasta absorbs the flavors.
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Definitely! Assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven. This is a great way to get dinner on the table even faster!
- How can I make this casserole spicier?
If you love a bit of heat, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes into the sauce or add diced jalapeños when mixing the ingredients. You can easily adjust the spice level to your liking!
