Description
This Dump and Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution. With tender chicken simmered in rich marinara sauce and topped with gooey mozzarella and a crunchy panko topping, this dish is both comforting and satisfying. Perfect for busy nights, this hassle-free recipe can be prepared in minutes and baked to perfection, bringing the family together around the dinner table. Enjoy a delicious meal that looks impressive but requires minimal effort!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 oz uncooked penne pasta (about 2 cups dry)
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or water)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Dump Base Ingredients: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine the uncooked penne pasta, cubed raw chicken breasts, marinara sauce, chicken broth, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Stir to Submerge: Stir well with a wooden spoon so all pasta and chicken pieces are evenly distributed and completely submerged in the sauce liquid.
- Cover & Bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes until pasta is tender. Remove foil, sprinkle mozzarella cheese, and top with the panko-Parmesan mixture.
- Bake Uncovered to Golden Brown: Return to the oven uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and the panko topping is deeply golden and crispy.
- Rest & Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve warm!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole (approx. 250g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg