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Easy Dump And Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

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

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Rotini or penne pasta
  • Marinara sauce
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Italian seasoning
  • Breadcrumbs (Italian-style, crushed crackers, or panko as substitutes)
  • Water (about 2 cups)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large baking dish, place the uncooked chicken breasts at the bottom, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
  3. Sprinkle the dry pasta over the chicken, ensuring it covers the chicken evenly.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly on top of the cheese.
  7. 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.
  8. Once out of the oven, let the casserole sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: You can prepare this casserole in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms.