Description
Dump and Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole is an easy, comforting one-dish dinner made with tender chicken, pasta, marinara sauce, and a golden cheesy topping. No pre-cooking required—just dump, bake, and enjoy a cozy family favorite.
Ingredients
12 oz penne pasta (uncooked)
3 cups marinara sauce
2 cups water
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In the baking dish, combine uncooked penne pasta, marinara sauce, water, diced chicken, salt, pepper, and optional seasonings. Stir well.
Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove foil and stir the casserole. Top evenly with mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and panko breadcrumbs.
Return to the oven uncovered and bake for 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden, and chicken is cooked through.
Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
Make sure the dish is tightly covered during the first bake so the pasta cooks properly.
If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil.
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to help it set.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American / Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg