Oh, sweet friends, isn’t there something truly magical about a dish that promises homemade comfort without endless fuss? This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole is that kind of magic, transforming simple, hearty ingredients into a bubbling, cheesy delight right in your own kitchen. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in a warm hug, full of rich marinara, tender chicken, and gooey mozzarella, reminding you of the best kind of home cooking.
I remember countless afternoons in my grandmother’s kitchen, where every stirring spoon and kneading hand infused the air with love. While she often patiently crafted elaborate feasts, she also taught me the beauty of smart shortcuts—those little tricks that bring big flavor without the stress. This casserole embodies that spirit, allowing you to create something truly special, even when time is tight.
This recipe is a true lifesaver for those busy weeknights when you still crave a delicious, family-friendly dinner. It’s incredibly easy to prepare and yields a comforting meal that everyone at the table will adore. My practical tip for this dish? Always use a good quality marinara; it truly makes all the difference!
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Crafting this delightful casserole requires just a handful of straightforward ingredients. We’re talking about succulent boneless, skinless chicken breasts, hearty penne pasta, and a rich marinara sauce, all coming together under a blanket of luscious mozzarella and sharp Parmesan. It’s truly a celebration of simple flavors that make this Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole so incredibly satisfying. You’ll find the full list of ingredients and precise measurements in the recipe card below.
How to Make Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Preparing this delightful Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole is as simple as it sounds. You’ll start by combining the raw chicken, pasta, marinara, and broth in a baking dish, ensuring everything is well mixed. Then, it’s off to the oven for its first bake. After that, a generous topping of cheeses and Panko breadcrumbs goes on before it returns to the oven to finish baking until golden and bubbly. It’s a beautifully straightforward process for a wonderfully comforting meal!
Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In the prepared baking dish, combine the cubed chicken, uncooked penne pasta, marinara sauce, chicken broth, olive oil, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid.
- Sprinkle 1.5 cups of the shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the mixture in the baking dish.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and carefully remove the foil. Stir the casserole gently to redistribute ingredients and ensure pasta cooks evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and the Panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Return the uncovered casserole to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy. The pasta should be tender and the chicken cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C).
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.
Notes
Pro Tips for Making This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole
After years of tinkering in the kitchen, I’ve gathered a few nuggets of wisdom that I love to share, especially when it comes to making a satisfying dish like this Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole. These little tricks can truly elevate your results!
My Secret Trick: I always make sure to use warm chicken broth. It helps the pasta cook more evenly and prevents the dish from cooling down too much before it even hits the oven, leading to a perfectly tender penne every time.
Don’t be shy with your seasonings! A generous sprinkle of garlic powder and dried oregano mixed in with the chicken and pasta before baking truly infuses every bite with that classic Italian-American flavor profile we all adore.
For that irresistible crispy topping, don’t skimp on the Panko breadcrumbs. Tossing them with a touch of olive oil before sprinkling them over the cheese helps them achieve a beautiful golden crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the tender chicken and pasta.
When the casserole comes out of the oven, resist the urge to dive in immediately! Letting your Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole rest for 5-10 minutes allows the sauces to settle and the cheese to firm up slightly, making for cleaner serves and a more enjoyable texture.
Fun Variations for Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole
One of the things I adore most about home cooking is the freedom to play and personalize. This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a fantastic canvas for your creativity! Here are a few ways I’ve seen it adapted, often inspired by friends or a whim of my own:
Veggie Boost
My friend Sarah always asks me to sneak in some extra vegetables! You can easily add a cup of chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or even a handful of fresh spinach to the casserole along with the other ingredients before baking. They’ll cook down beautifully and add extra nutrients and flavor.
Spice It Up
If you love a little kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce. It just gives that lovely warmth that truly complements the rich tomato and cheese. You could even use a spicy Italian sausage instead of plain chicken for a more robust flavor profile.
Cheese Please!
While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. A touch of provolone adds a lovely stretch, or a sprinkle of smoked gouda can introduce a wonderful smoky depth to your Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole.
What to Serve With Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole
This comforting casserole is a complete meal on its own, but a few simple accompaniments can make it feel even more special and well-rounded. I always think about balancing those rich, savory flavors.
I love serving this Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole with a crisp, vibrant green salad. A simple vinaigrette with some fresh greens, maybe a few cherry tomatoes and cucumber slices, offers a wonderful fresh contrast to the hearty casserole.
Another easy pairing that my mom always insisted on was some warm, crusty garlic bread. It’s perfect for soaking up every last bit of that delicious marinara sauce. It’s a classic combination that never disappoints!
For a lighter touch, steamed green beans or asparagus, lightly seasoned with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon, would be absolutely perfect alongside. They add a fresh, garden-fresh element that beautifully complements the richness of the dish.
How to Store Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole
One of the many joys of a good casserole is how well it often keeps, making for fantastic leftovers! Properly storing your Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole ensures you can enjoy its comforting flavors for days to come.
Fridge Storage
Once your casserole has cooled completely, cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or transfer individual portions to airtight containers. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, I like to add a splash of extra marinara or chicken broth to keep it moist and prevent it from drying out.
Freezer Tips
For longer storage, this Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole freezes wonderfully. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap the entire dish (if freezer-safe) tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or portion it into freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Methods
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave until warm. My personal tip? A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil after reheating brings back that vibrant freshness!
Nutritional Benefits
This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole offers a satisfying meal packed with protein from the chicken, essential carbohydrates from the pasta for energy, and calcium from the generous helpings of cheese. It’s a wonderful example of how a comforting treat can also be a nourishing meal, balancing indulgence with wholesome ingredients that keep you feeling full and happy.
FAQs
Can I prepare Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole (without the top layer of cheese and breadcrumbs) up to a day in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. Add the topping right before baking.
What kind of chicken works best for this casserole?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole, as they cook evenly and remain tender within the sauce. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can! While penne pasta is used in this Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole, other sturdy pasta shapes like ziti or rigatoni would also work well and hold up beautifully during baking.
How do I prevent the pasta from being too soft or mushy?
The key is to use uncooked pasta and ensure it’s fully submerged in the liquids. The 40-minute cook time is designed for al dente results. Avoid over-baking the Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole for the best texture.
Conclusion
There’s truly nothing quite like the feeling of gathering around the table with loved ones, sharing a meal made with heart. This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to embrace joyful, home-baked desserts (oops, I mean dinners! My sweet tooth is always showing!) that create lasting memories. So go on, my dear bakers, whip up this comforting dish and watch as it brings smiles and warmth to your home. It’s simple, it’s scrumptious, and it’s packed with love!