Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a simple, comforting one-dish meal combining uncooked penne pasta, diced chicken breast, marinara sauce, and a cheesy breadcrumb topping. With minimal prep and two baking stages, the casserole delivers tender pasta, juicy chicken, and a golden bubbly cheese crust perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- 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
- 1 ½ lbs. raw chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
Cheese & 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 (220°C). Lightly grease a 13×9-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, ground black pepper, and diced raw chicken breast. Optionally, add seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or crushed red pepper flakes for enhanced flavor.
- Transfer to Baking Dish & Cover: If not already mixing in the baking dish, pour the pasta and chicken mixture into the greased dish. Cover tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and allow the pasta to cook evenly.
- First Bake: Bake the covered dish in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. The pasta will begin to soften and the chicken will start cooking during this time.
- Add Cheese & Breadcrumbs: After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil and stir the casserole gently. Although the pasta will still be slightly firm and there may be some liquid left, this is expected. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese, Panko breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Second Bake: Return the dish uncovered to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted completely, is bubbly and golden, the breadcrumb topping is browned, and the chicken is fully cooked through with no pink inside.
- Garnish & Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to rest briefly. Garnish with fresh chopped herbs such as basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your cheesy, comforting casserole.
Notes
- Cooking times may vary depending on your oven, the type of baking dish (glass/ceramic pans typically require longer than metal), and the pasta brand. Check pasta for al dente doneness and mostly absorbed liquid before adding toppings.
- Avoid overcooking to prevent mushy pasta; stir halfway through at topping addition to ensure even cooking.
- For more flavor, consider adding Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, or sun-dried tomatoes to the pasta mixture before baking.
Keywords: Chicken Parmesan casserole, dump and bake recipe, Italian casserole, baked pasta, one dish meal, easy chicken dinner, penne pasta casserole
