Description
This Easy Dump And Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a quick and delicious weeknight meal that combines tender chicken, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese over pasta. Perfect for busy evenings, it requires minimal prep and cleanup, making it a family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz rotini or penne pasta
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian-style, crushed crackers, or panko as substitutes)
- 2 cups water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large baking dish, place the uncooked chicken breasts at the bottom, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
- Sprinkle the dry pasta over the chicken, ensuring it covers the chicken evenly.
- In a separate bowl, combine the marinara sauce with the Italian seasoning. Pour this mixture over the pasta and chicken, ensuring everything is well-coated. Add enough water (about 2 cups) to ensure the pasta cooks properly.
- Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole. If you’re using grated Parmesan, add that as well for extra flavor.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly on top of the cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (165°F or 74°C) and the top is golden and bubbly.
- Once out of the oven, let the casserole sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For added flavor, marinate the chicken in Italian dressing before baking.
- Substitute any pasta shape for versatility.
- Use fresh herbs for a more aromatic dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of casserole
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg