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Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 7 reviews

This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a quick and easy Italian-American comfort meal featuring uncooked rotini pasta, cooked chicken breast, savory marinara sauce, and a crispy breadcrumb topping. Layered and baked all in one dish, it combines cheesy richness with a golden, crunchy finish, perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

Base

  • 1½ cups uncooked rotini pasta
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
  • ½ cup turkey ham or turkey pepperoni (optional, for added flavor)

Sauce

  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1¼ cups water or chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Cheese

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Topping

  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). While it’s heating, grab a 9×13-inch baking dish—no need to grease it.
  2. Layer It All In: Start by pouring the uncooked rotini pasta into the baking dish. It will cook in the sauce, absorbing all the flavors as it bakes.
  3. Add the Chicken: Scatter the cooked chicken evenly over the pasta. If using, add turkey ham or turkey pepperoni now for extra flavor.
  4. Mix the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the marinara sauce with water or chicken broth. Stir in Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Pour this sauce mixture evenly over the pasta and chicken layers.
  5. Cheese, Please: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the top, ensuring some cheese melts throughout and some forms a golden crust on top.
  6. Add the Crunch: Mix breadcrumbs with olive oil or melted butter, then sprinkle evenly over the casserole to create a crispy topping.
  7. Bake and Relax: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes until the pasta is tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
  8. Cool and Serve: Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes after baking to set before serving.

Notes

  • Cover the dish with foil during the initial bake to ensure the pasta cooks evenly with the liquid; remove foil at the end to crisp the topping.
  • This casserole is ideal for meal prep—you can assemble ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready (add 5–10 extra minutes if baking from cold).
  • Use leftover rotisserie or grilled chicken to save time and add flavor.
  • Substitute breadcrumbs with crushed crackers or panko if desired.
  • Add chopped vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for a veggie boost.
  • Try different cheeses like provolone, fontina, or mozzarella pearls for variation.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Parmesan casserole, dump-and-bake chicken recipe, easy Italian casserole, rotini pasta bake, cheesy chicken dinner, quick weeknight casserole

Find it online: https://lucabites.com/dump-and-bake-chicken-parmesan-casserole-recipe/