Go Back

Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole

A quick and easy casserole dish combining chicken, pasta, and cheese, perfect for busy nights.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Chicken
  • 1 package 1 (16 oz) package uncooked penne pasta
  • 1.5 lbs 1 ½ lbs raw chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces Cut chicken evenly for uniform cooking.
Sauce and Seasoning
  • 3 cups 3 cups marinara sauce (about 1 jar, 24 oz) Use your favorite marinara sauce for a personalized flavor.
  • 3 cups 3 cups water
  • 1 tsp 1 tsp salt
  • Ground black pepper, to taste
Cheeses and Toppings
  • 1-2 cups 1-2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or Italian cheese blend) Feel free to add more mozzarella for a cheesier dish.
  • ½ cup ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs Toast Panko with a bit of oil for extra crunch.
Garnish
  • Optional: Fresh chopped herbs like basil or parsley for garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F and lightly coat a 13×9-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
  2. In the prepared dish (or in a large separate bowl), combine the uncooked penne, marinara sauce, water, salt, pepper, and raw chicken.
  3. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and cover tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture.
Baking
  1. Bake for 30 minutes, ensuring the pasta absorbs the liquid during this time.
  2. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and stir the mixture. At this point, the pasta will be slightly firm, and there may still be some liquid – that’s perfectly fine!
  3. Top with shredded mozzarella, sprinkle with breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
  4. Continue baking uncovered for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, the top is golden brown, the pasta is tender, and the chicken is fully cooked.
Serving
  1. Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley if desired, then serve and enjoy!

Notes

Serve the casserole warm, straight from the oven. It pairs well with a simple side salad or some garlic bread. You can also sprinkle extra herbs on top right before serving for a fresh touch. To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to enjoy again.