Weeknight Dump-And-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Oh, sweet friends, isn’t there just something utterly magical about a comforting casserole? Today, I’m absolutely delighted to share a recipe that brings all that warmth and ease to your dinner table: our Weeknight Dump-And-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole. This dish is a true weeknight wonder, promising a delicious, hearty meal with minimal fuss – perfect for those evenings when you crave homemade comfort but are short on time.

My grandmother, bless her heart, always said the best meals were made with love and simplicity. I remember watching her in her sunlit kitchen, turning everyday ingredients into feasts that brought our whole family together. This Dump-And-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole reminds me of that spirit, embracing the joy of good food without the stress.

What I adore about this Dump-And-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole is how effortlessly it comes together and how it truly satisfies everyone at the table. It’s incredibly family-friendly and ideal for meal prepping, ensuring delicious leftovers throughout the week. My top tip for any casserole is always to let it rest for a few minutes after baking; it helps the flavors meld beautifully!

What You Need to Make This Recipe

Crafting this delightful casserole relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that transform into something truly special. We’re talking tender chicken, hearty pasta, and a symphony of rich marinara and melted cheeses – think creamy ricotta, bubbly mozzarella, and sharp Parmesan. These pantry staples combine to create the irresistible flavors of our comforting Dump-And-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole. 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

Creating this incredible Dump-And-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole is wonderfully straightforward, designed to bring joy back into your kitchen without the stress. You’ll start by preparing your ingredients, combining the chicken, pasta, and sauce in a baking dish, layering it with creamy ricotta and mozzarella, and then letting your oven do most of the work. It’s a delightful journey from simple ingredients to a bubbling, golden-brown masterpiece in just about 35 minutes of bake time after a quick 15-minute prep.

Dump-And-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Enjoy all the classic flavors of Chicken Parmesan in a fraction of the time with this easy dump-and-bake casserole. Uncooked pasta, tender chicken, rich marinara, and gooey cheeses bake together for a perfect weeknight meal.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Casserole, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian-American

Calories: 720

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Casserole Base

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces, or 3 cups shredded cooked rotisserie chicken
• 16 oz penne or ziti pasta uncooked
• 24 oz marinara sauce about 3 cups, good quality jarred
• 1 cup chicken broth or water
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional, for a little kick
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Cheesy Topping

• 15 oz ricotta cheese about 1.5 cups, or cottage cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese divided
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish, optional

Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Large Mixing Bowl
• Aluminum Foil

Method

 

Prepare for Baking

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large 9×13 inch baking dish, combine the uncooked pasta, chicken pieces, marinara sauce, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir everything thoroughly to ensure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid and sauce.

Add Cheesy Layers

1. In a separate small bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
2. Evenly dollop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture over the pasta and chicken in the baking dish. You don’t need to stir it in completely, just spread it out somewhat.

Bake and Finish

1. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
2. Bake for 25 minutes.
3. Carefully remove the foil. Give the casserole a gentle stir to mix the sauce and pasta, ensuring no pasta is sticking to the bottom. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
4. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender, the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is lightly golden brown.
5. Let the casserole stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Notes

For even faster prep, use pre-cooked shredded rotisserie chicken. If you prefer a crispier top, you can broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and reheated in the microwave or oven.

Pro Tips for Making This Dump-And-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Ensuring your Dump-And-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole turns out perfectly every single time is my goal, and over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks.

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Make sure your ingredients are spread evenly in your baking dish. Giving everything a little breathing room ensures even cooking and prevents the pasta from sticking together, resulting in perfectly tender penne or ziti.
• My Secret Trick: I always like to ensure my chicken breasts are cut into even, bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook through at the same rate as the pasta, preventing any dry spots and ensuring every forkful of this Dump-And-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole is succulent and delicious.
• Cheese Matters: For the best melty, golden-brown top, use freshly shredded mozzarella if you can. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can hinder a truly creamy melt. A mix of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan truly elevates this dish.
• Let it Rest: As with many baked dishes, allowing your casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after it comes out of the oven lets the sauces settle and the cheese firm up slightly, making for cleaner servings and an even more satisfying experience.

Fun Variations for Dump-And-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole

One of the greatest joys of home baking is the freedom to play and adapt, and our Dump-And-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole is wonderfully versatile! Don’t be shy about adding your own personal touch.

Veggie Boost

For a fantastic nutritional boost, try stirring in some finely chopped bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini with your marinara sauce. My sister always asks me to add a handful of fresh mushrooms; it adds an earthy depth that’s truly lovely to the Dump-And-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole.

Spice it Up

If you love a little kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. A friend of mine swears by adding a dash of smoked paprika for an extra layer of warmth.

Herbaceous Twists

While fresh basil or parsley is fantastic, feel free to experiment with other herbs. A sprinkle of fresh oregano or a touch of dried marjoram can offer delightful nuances to the overall flavor profile of this comforting dish.

What to Serve With Dump-And-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole

This heartwarming Dump-And-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a meal in itself, but a few simple accompaniments can make it an even more delightful experience, bringing balance and freshness to your table.

I love serving it alongside a crisp, green salad with a light vinaigrette – the fresh crunch is a wonderful contrast to the rich, cheesy casserole. A friend always insists on a side of warm, crusty garlic bread, perfect for soaking up every last bit of that delicious marinara sauce. Sometimes, I’ll simply offer a bowl of steamed green beans or broccoli, seasoned simply with a squeeze of lemon. These easy pairings make a complete and satisfying meal without adding extra fuss to your weeknight.

How to Store Dump-And-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole

After putting your heart into making this delicious Dump-And-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole, you’ll want to ensure any leftovers stay just as delightful! Proper storage is key to preserving its wonderful flavors and textures.

Refrigerator Storage

Once the casserole has cooled completely, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer individual portions to airtight containers. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making it perfect for meal prep.

Freezer Tips

For longer storage, you can freeze portions of the Dump-And-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole. Allow it to cool, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It will stay fresh for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating Methods

To reheat, simply warm individual portions in the microwave until heated through. For larger portions, cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly and warm, adding a splash of chicken broth if it seems a little dry. A light dusting of fresh Parmesan after reheating truly brings it back to life, just like new!

Nutritional Benefits

While our focus is always on bringing joy through delicious food, it’s lovely to know that this Dump-And-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole also offers some wonderful nutritional benefits. With lean protein from the chicken, complex carbohydrates from the pasta, and calcium from the cheeses, it’s a satisfying and nourishing meal that combines indulgence with simple, wholesome ingredients.

FAQs

Faq 1

Can I use a different type of pasta for this casserole?
Absolutely! While penne or ziti works wonderfully for this Dump-And-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole, feel free to use other sturdy, medium-sized pasta shapes like rotini or cavatappi. Ensure it’s a type that holds up well during baking.

Faq 2

Do I need to cook the chicken before adding it to the casserole?
No, that’s the beauty of this Dump-And-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole! The chicken breasts are cut into pieces and cook directly in the sauce, ensuring they remain tender and absorb all the delicious flavors as the casserole bakes.

Faq 3

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the Dump-And-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole up to a day in advance without the top layer of mozzarella and Parmesan. Cover and refrigerate, then add the remaining cheese just before baking.

Faq 4

What can I do if my casserole seems dry after baking?
If your Dump-And-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole seems a little dry, you can add a splash of warm chicken broth or extra marinara sauce when reheating. Covering it with foil during the first part of baking also helps retain moisture.

Conclusion

There you have it, my sweet friends – a recipe for our incredible Weeknight Dump-And-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole that promises to bring warmth, comfort, and big smiles to your table. It’s truly a testament to how simple ingredients, combined with a little love, can create magical moments. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this delightful Dump-And-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole; it’s a dish that embodies the joy of home-baked goodness and creates cherished memories, just like those treasured afternoons in my grandmother’s kitchen. Happy baking!