Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole Made Easy at Home

This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole combines tender chicken, pasta, and marinara for a quick, delicious meal.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner Ideas

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

For the Pasta

2 cups uncooked penne pasta this pasta holds sauce beautifully and offers great texture.

For the Chicken

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts using bite-sized pieces helps them cook evenly.

For the Sauce

2 cups marinara sauce opt for a flavorful brand, as it’s the heart of this dish!
1 cup water this helps cook the pasta perfectly during baking.

For the Seasoning

1 teaspoon garlic powder adds a subtle depth of flavor to the casserole.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning a delightful blend that complements the chicken and sauce.
1 teaspoon salt enhances all the flavors in the dish.
½ teaspoon black pepper adds a touch of warmth and spice.

For the Cheesy Topping

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese melts beautifully for that irresistible gooeyness.
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese adds a rich, nutty flavor to the topping.

For Garnish

Fresh basil leaves optional, but they lend a refreshing finish to the dish.

Equipment

baking dish
Aluminum Foil

Method

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
In a large baking dish, add 2 cups of uncooked penne pasta along with 1 pound of bite-sized, boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Pour in 2 cups of marinara sauce and 1 cup of water, mixing until everything is well combined.
Next, sprinkle the dish with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Stir thoroughly.
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in your preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes.
After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil and stir the mixture, checking that the pasta is cooked through and the chicken is tender.
Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Once the cheese is beautifully melted, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 35gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 850mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Use penne or similar pasta shapes for best results. Allow casserole to cool for easier serving.

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