If you’re looking for a quick and delicious dinner that requires minimal effort but is packed with flavor, look no further than this Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole. Imagine the crispy, cheesy goodness of chicken parmesan, but in casserole form—no frying, no mess, just a one-pan wonder. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, and trust me, it’s going to be a hit with the whole family!
Why You’ll Love Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Versatile: You can easily swap ingredients to suit your taste. Feel free to add extra veggies, use different types of cheese, or change up the protein.
Budget-Friendly: This casserole uses affordable, pantry-friendly ingredients, so you can feed your family without breaking the bank.
Quick and Easy: Dump everything into the dish, bake, and voila! No complicated steps or fussy prep—just simple, wholesome food.
Customizable: Adjust the level of cheese, seasoning, or add some spice to make it your own.
Crowd-Pleasing: This is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Crispy, cheesy, saucy—it’s everything you love about chicken parmesan, but in a casserole.
Ingredients
Ingredients in Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole
This dish is all about convenience without sacrificing flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this casserole. They bake up tender and juicy, soaking up all the flavors.
Pasta: I recommend using penne or rotini—something that holds sauce well and gives a satisfying bite.
Marinara Sauce: The base of this dish, the marinara sauce brings the classic chicken parmesan flavor right to your casserole.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melty, gooey mozzarella cheese on top is the key to making this casserole irresistibly cheesy.
Parmesan Cheese: A little parmesan goes a long way in adding a nutty, salty bite to the dish.
Italian Seasoning: For that unmistakable Italian flavor that ties everything together.
Garlic Powder: A pinch of garlic powder adds that savory depth to the sauce.
Bread Crumbs: These will form the crispy topping that makes the casserole extra special.
Olive Oil: A little drizzle on top of the breadcrumbs helps achieve that golden, crispy finish.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the casserole cooks evenly and crisps up just right.
Assemble the Casserole: In a large casserole dish, layer the uncooked pasta, chicken breasts, marinara sauce, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese. Sprinkle Italian seasoning and garlic powder over the top for extra flavor.
Top with Bread Crumbs: Mix the breadcrumbs with a drizzle of olive oil, then sprinkle it generously over the top of the casserole. This will create a crispy, golden topping as it bakes.
Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole sit for a few minutes to set, then scoop and serve!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 400 (approx.)
(Note: Nutrition details may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Total Time: 55-60 minutes
How to Serve Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole
This casserole is great on its own, but here are a few ideas to round out the meal:
- Serve with a side of garlic bread for that extra carb comfort.
- Pair with a simple side salad to add some freshness to balance out the richness.
- Enjoy with a glass of your favorite white wine, like a crisp Chardonnay.
Additional Tips
- Use frozen chicken breasts: If you’re in a pinch, frozen chicken breasts can be used. Just increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes.
- Swap the pasta: Feel free to use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles if you’re looking for a low-carb option.
- Add some veggies: Mix in some spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added nutrients and flavor.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs work great too—they’ll be juicier and a bit more flavorful.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble it the night before and refrigerate it. Just bake it when you’re ready to eat.
3. Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, let it thaw overnight and bake as directed.
4. Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Of course! Store-bought marinara works perfectly in this recipe.
5. What if I don’t have breadcrumbs?
Crushed crackers or panko work well as a substitute.
6. How can I make this casserole spicy?
Add red pepper flakes or some spicy marinara sauce to kick up the heat.
7. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! You can use provolone, gouda, or even cheddar if you prefer.
8. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
9. Can I make this dish without pasta?
Yes! For a low-carb version, you can leave out the pasta and just serve the chicken and sauce with a side of roasted veggies.
10. Can I make this casserole in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Just cook it on low for 4-5 hours and finish with the breadcrumb topping for a crispy finish.
Conclusion
This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining the rich flavors of chicken parmesan with the ease of a one-pan meal. It’s perfect for busy nights, meal prep, or whenever you need something delicious with minimal effort. Don’t hesitate—give this easy and flavorful casserole a try today!
Print
Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This **Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole** is a quick and easy dinner with all the flavors of classic Chicken Parmesan but without the hassle. No pre-cooking required—just mix, bake, and enjoy a comforting meal in under an hour!
Ingredients
– 2 cups uncooked penne pasta
– 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
– 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
– 2 cups water
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large baking dish, combine uncooked penne pasta, cooked chicken, marinara sauce, water, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to mix.
3. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
4. Remove from the oven and stir the pasta mixture. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
5. In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with olive oil. Sprinkle over the cheese layer.
6. Return to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the top is golden brown.
7. Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve hot.
8. Enjoy!
Notes
– Use rotisserie chicken for a time-saving shortcut.
– Whole wheat pasta or gluten-free pasta can be substituted.
– For extra crunch, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes after baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg