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Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 781 reviews
  • Author: Ella
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a delicious, easy-to-make one-dish meal combining tender chicken breast, uncooked penne pasta, marinara sauce, and a golden, cheesy breadcrumb topping. Perfect for busy weeknights, this casserole requires minimal prep and uses a simple bake-and-stir technique to develop rich flavors and a comforting texture without the need for boiling pasta beforehand.

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

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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 chicken breast. Optionally, add seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or crushed red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
  3. Transfer to Baking Dish: If you mixed in a separate bowl, pour the mixture into the greased baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture, which helps cook the pasta and chicken evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
  4. Add Cheese & Breadcrumbs: After baking for 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil and stir the casserole to distribute heat and ingredients. The pasta will still be firm and some liquid will remain—this is expected. Evenly top the casserole with shredded mozzarella cheese, Panko breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese.
  5. Bake Again: Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted, turned golden and bubbly, the breadcrumbs are browned, and the chicken is fully cooked through.
  6. Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven. Garnish with fresh chopped herbs like basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting chicken Parmesan casserole.

Notes

  • Cooking Time Variations: Cooking times may vary depending on your type of baking dish and pasta brand. Glass or ceramic bakeware may require slightly longer bake times than metal pans.
  • Avoid Overcooking: Be careful not to overcook the pasta to prevent it from becoming mushy; it should be al dente when done.
  • Flavor Enhancements: For added flavor, consider mixing in Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, or sun-dried tomatoes before baking.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: chicken parmesan casserole, dump and bake casserole, easy chicken casserole, baked pasta dish, comfort food, one dish meal

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Find it online: https://delishwithella.com/dump-and-bake-chicken-parmesan-casserole-recipe-2/