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Healthy Dump and Bake Casseroles: Creamy Chicken Parmesan Pasta Ready in 50 Minutes

Enjoy all the flavors of classic chicken parmesan in a single pan—no breading, frying, or extra dishes required. This dump-and-bake chicken parmesan casserole is the ultimate weeknight meal: hearty, cheesy, and ready in under an hour.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 380
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 lb penne pasta uncooked
  • 24 oz marinara sauce
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 1 tsp garlic salt
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese divided
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil chopped (for garnish)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 425°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In the dish, mix uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, water, diced chicken, and garlic salt. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
  3. Cover and Bake: Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes to allow the pasta to cook and the chicken to become tender.
  4. Uncover & Stir: Remove foil carefully, stir the casserole, and check the pasta for tenderness.
  5. Add Cheese & Toppings: Sprinkle mozzarella, panko breadcrumbs, and Parmesan evenly on top. For extra crispiness, mix breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter first.
  6. Final Bake: Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted, top is golden, and chicken is fully cooked.
  7. Rest & Garnish: Let the casserole rest 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Dice chicken small for even cooking. Covering the dish during the first bake ensures pasta absorbs sauce evenly. Let the casserole rest before serving for best texture and presentation.