Description
This Dump and Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole is the ultimate easy dinner packed with tender chicken, cheesy pasta, rich marinara sauce, and a crispy parmesan topping. Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, meal prep, or cozy comfort food cravings, this easy recipe delivers classic chicken parmesan flavor without the extra work of frying or boiling pasta separately. Every bite is creamy, cheesy, hearty, and incredibly satisfying, making it one of the best dinner ideas when you need something quick, filling, and crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients
12 ounces penne pasta, uncooked
2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
3 cups marinara sauce
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons melted butter
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine marinara sauce, chicken broth, heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
3. Add the uncooked penne pasta and cooked chicken to the sauce mixture and stir thoroughly until evenly coated.
4. Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly.
5. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese and half of the parmesan cheese over the casserole.
6. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the pasta becomes tender.
7. In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and remaining parmesan cheese.
8. Remove the foil from the casserole and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and breadcrumb mixture over the top.
9. Return the casserole to the oven uncovered and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
10. Broil for 2 to 3 minutes if desired for extra crispiness.
11. Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
12. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
Freshly shredded mozzarella melts more smoothly and creates a creamier texture than pre-packaged shredded cheese.
Make sure the pasta is fully coated in liquid before baking to ensure even cooking.
For an extra crispy topping, broil the casserole during the final few minutes while watching carefully to avoid burning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: dump and bake chicken parmesan casserole, easy dinner, baked pasta casserole, chicken parmesan pasta bake, comfort food, cheesy casserole, quick dinner ideas, family dinner recipe