Dump and Bake Chicken Parmesan Recipe
This Dump and Bake Chicken Parmesan is a convenient, all-in-one casserole combining tender chicken, whole wheat penne pasta, savory pasta sauce, and a blend of melted cheeses topped with golden breadcrumbs. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish requires minimal prep and bakes everything together to juicy, cheesy perfection.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 12-ounce package whole wheat penne pasta
- 1 24-ounce jar pasta sauce
- 2–3 cups water
- 1 pound chicken, cut into small pieces
Cheese and Topping
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided: 1/2 cup and remaining 1 1/2 cups)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup bread crumbs
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Combine Ingredients: In the baking dish, dump the uncooked whole wheat penne pasta, pasta sauce, 2 to 3 cups water, raw chicken pieces, and 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together ensuring the liquid covers the pasta and chicken completely for even cooking.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to allow the pasta and chicken to cook through gently.
- Uncover and Continue Baking: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes, checking that the chicken is fully cooked and the pasta is tender.
- Add Topping and Finish Baking: Evenly sprinkle bread crumbs, the remaining mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole. Return to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese melts and the bread crumbs are golden brown and crispy.
Notes
- Make sure the liquid covers the pasta to ensure it cooks evenly without drying out.
- Use cooked shredded chicken if you want to reduce baking time but adjust liquid accordingly.
- Whole wheat pasta adds extra fiber and a nuttier flavor, but regular pasta can be used if preferred.
- For a crispier topping, broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes after baking, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Keywords: chicken parmesan, dump and bake, easy chicken casserole, one dish meal, pasta bake, whole wheat pasta, cheesy chicken bake
Find it online: https://bakedbylisa.com/dump-and-bake-chicken-parmesan-recipe/
