Description
Dump and Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole is the kind of easy dinner that makes busy nights feel a whole lot more delicious. This cozy baked pasta is loaded with tender chicken, rich marinara, melty mozzarella, and plenty of Parmesan, all finished with a golden crunchy topping. I love it because it gives you the comfort of a classic Italian-inspired family meal without the extra work. It is perfect for a quick dinner, easy dinner, comforting casserole, baked pasta recipe, family dinner idea, weeknight meal, and simple food idea when you want something hearty and satisfying.
Ingredients
12 ounces penne pasta
3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
24 ounces marinara sauce
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Add the penne, cooked chicken, marinara sauce, chicken broth, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the baking dish. Stir well to combine.
3. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
4. Remove the foil and stir the casserole well to make sure the pasta cooks evenly.
5. Sprinkle the mozzarella and 1/2 cup of the Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
6. In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, olive oil, and remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture over the cheese layer.
7. Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the topping is golden brown.
8. Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes, then top with chopped parsley and serve.
Notes
For the best texture, make sure the pasta is fully covered by the liquid before baking so it cooks evenly in the oven.
Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully here and makes this casserole even faster to pull together on a busy night.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: dump and bake chicken parmesan casserole, chicken parmesan casserole, baked pasta recipe, easy dinner, family dinner, weeknight casserole, comfort food, chicken pasta bake