Why Make This Recipe
Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a great choice for anyone looking for a simple and delicious meal. This recipe combines tender chicken, pasta, and rich marinara sauce topped with gooey cheese. It’s easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Plus, there’s minimal cleanup since everything cooks in one dish!
How to Make Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, chicken pieces, marinara sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Top the mixture with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
How to Serve Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole
This casserole is perfect served hot right out of the oven. You can garnish it with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and flavor. It’s delicious on its own, but you can also pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
How to Store Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole
If you have leftovers, let the casserole cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Tips to Make Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole
- Use any type of cooked pasta you prefer, like penne or rotini.
- You can add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to the mixture for extra nutrition.
- For more flavor, try using homemade marinara sauce if you have it on hand.
Variation
If you want to spice things up, you can add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also substitute the chicken with cooked ground turkey or beef for a different twist.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it completely and cut it into bite-sized pieces before cooking.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole the night before and keep it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
What kind of pasta works best?
Most pasta shapes work well, but short shapes like penne, rotini, or farfalle are perfect for this casserole since they hold the sauce well.
Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, chicken pieces, marinara sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Top the mixture with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.