Description

This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a simple, hearty one-dish meal combining uncooked pasta, diced chicken, marinara sauce, and cheeses baked to bubbly perfection. With minimal prep and a straightforward baking method, it’s a perfect comfort food that delivers classic chicken parmesan flavors in an easy casserole form.

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

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.
Mix Ingredients: In the prepared baking dish (or a separate large bowl), combine the uncooked penne pasta, marinara sauce, water, salt, ground black pepper, and diced raw chicken breast. For added flavor, you can mix in seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or crushed red pepper flakes.
Cover and Bake: If you prepared the mixture outside, transfer it now to the greased baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture inside and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This allows the pasta to cook in the sauce along with the chicken.
Remove Foil & Add Cheese: After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil and stir the casserole. The pasta will be slightly firm and some liquid may remain, which is expected. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese (or Italian blend), Panko breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
Bake Uncovered Again: Return the uncovered casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. During this time, the cheese will melt, become golden and bubbly, the breadcrumbs will brown, and the chicken will finish cooking through.
Serve: Once baked, garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley if desired, and serve hot for a delicious, comforting meal.

Notes

You can add additional seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or red pepper flakes for more flavor.
Ensure the chicken is diced into small, bite-sized pieces so it cooks fully during the baking time.
Covering the dish tightly with foil at first locks in moisture, allowing the uncooked pasta to absorb liquid and cook evenly.
If you prefer a crispier topping, you can broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning.
This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just increase the baking time slightly if baking cold.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: Chicken Parmesan casserole, dump and bake, baked pasta, chicken and pasta casserole, easy chicken dinner