The Ultimate One-Pan Dinner to Impress Your Family

Ever had a dinner recipe that pulls together effortlessly and makes your house smell heavenly? Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole is just that—simple, creamy, and oh-so-delicious! Imagine sinking your fork into tender chicken, saucy pasta, and gooey melted cheese, all baked together in one pan. Now, that’s comfort food at its best!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Why make dinner a chaotic affair when you can whip this up in no time? Here’s why this casserole will become your new go-to:

Easy cleanup—seriously, one dish means less time scrubbing and more time savoring.
Budget-friendly—you get a home-cooked meal that doesn’t break the bank. Who said cooking at home had to be expensive?
Family-approved—picky eaters? Not anymore! Everyone loves cheesy pasta smothered in marinara and chicken. 🍽️

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff—just these basics!

1 (16 oz) package uncooked penne pasta
3 cups marinara sauce (about 1 jar, 24 oz)
3 cups water
1 tsp salt
Ground black pepper, to taste
1 ½ lbs raw chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1-2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or Italian cheese blend)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
Optional: Fresh chopped herbs like basil or parsley for garnish

Directions

Preheat your oven to 425°F and lightly coat a 13×9-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
In the prepared dish (or in a large separate bowl), combine the uncooked penne, marinara sauce, water, salt, pepper, and raw chicken.
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and cover tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture. Bake for 30 minutes, ensuring the pasta absorbs the liquid during this time.
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and stir the mixture. At this point, the pasta will be slightly firm, and there may still be some liquid—that’s perfectly fine!
Top with shredded mozzarella, sprinkle with breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
Continue baking uncovered for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, the top is golden brown, and the chicken is fully cooked.
Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley if desired, then serve and enjoy!

How to Make Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole (Overview)

Making this casserole is like running a well-oiled machine! Start by mixing everything together in one dish—couldn’t be easier, right? Pro tip: Don’t skip that aluminum foil cover; it keeps your pasta happy and hydrated while it bakes. After a quick 30 minutes, stir things up a bit, then layer on that cheesy goodness. Pop it back in the oven until it’s bubbly and golden!

How to Serve Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Serve this casserole straight from the oven for a dish that looks as good as it tastes. Picture it: a golden, bubbling top with hints of cheesy brown and the rich aroma of marinara wafting through your kitchen. Pair it with a crispy green salad or garlic bread to scoop up those cheesy bits—now that’s a meal!

How to Store Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Leftovers? Yes, please! This casserole will keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days—if it lasts that long. For long-term storage, try freezing it for up to 3 months. Pro tip: Reheat in the oven for that fresh-baked vibe, but a microwave works too in case you’re feeling impatient. 😅

Tips to Make Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Adjust the cheese: Got a cheese addiction? Feel free to up the mozzarella for even more melty goodness.
See that chicken? Make sure to cut it into small pieces for quicker cooking.
Pasta swaps: Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if you need an alternative, but be mindful of cooking times.

Variation Ideas

Want to jazz things up? Here are a few easy ways to switch up the flavor:

Veggie-loaded: Toss in some spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
Italian vibes: Add Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes for a kick.
Meat-free: Swap chicken for some canned chickpeas or additional vegetables for a delightful vegan twist.

FAQs

1. Can I use cooked chicken instead?
Absolutely! Just add it in while mixing to warm it through during baking.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?
You bet! Prepare it up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to eat, let it come to room temperature then bake.

3. How can I make this dish dairy-free?
Use non-dairy cheese and a marinara sauce without cheese added for a delicious dairy-free version.

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!