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CHICKEN PARMESAN CASSEROLE recipe, served and ready to eat, easy homemade dinner
Thomas Baker

Dump and Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole Comforting Easy Win

This Dump and Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole is the perfect easy dinner for busy weeknights or family dinners. Combining tender chicken, pasta, marinara sauce, and cheesy toppings, it’s a comforting baked chicken parmesan casserole that everyone will love. This dump and bake casserole is quick to prepare and delivers hearty Italian flavors in one dish.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 421
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 (16 ounce) 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 fresh basil or fresh parsley

Method
 

  1. Heat your oven to 425°F and coat a 13x9-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
  2. In the baking dish or a large bowl, combine the uncooked penne, marinara sauce, water, salt, pepper, and diced raw chicken, stirring everything evenly.
  3. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and bake for 30 minutes, allowing the pasta to soak up the liquid and the chicken to cook.
  4. Remove the foil and stir the pasta gently; it will still be firm and somewhat liquidy, which is expected.
  5. Scatter the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top, then sprinkle with the Panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
  6. Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese melts, the topping turns golden, the pasta is tender, and the chicken is fully cooked.
  7. If desired, finish by sprinkling fresh herbs like basil or parsley over the casserole before serving.

Notes

  • Cooking times may vary based on your oven and the type of baking dish used—metal pans cook faster than glass or ceramic. Check the pasta’s doneness by tasting to ensure it's just al dente and avoid mushiness. To boost flavor, consider swapping some water for red wine or adding spices such as Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, or sun-dried tomatoes if you like.