Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Why Make This Recipe

Are you looking for a quick, easy, and delicious dinner option? The Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole is your answer! This delightful dish combines all the flavors of a classic chicken Parmesan dish but simplifies the cooking process. You won’t spend hours in the kitchen; instead, you can enjoy a wholesome family meal that is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

Not only does this recipe offer the comfort of a hearty casserole, but it also allows you to utilize pantry staples and leftover chicken. This means less food waste and more flavor! Plus, you can easily customize it to suit your family’s tastes. The combination of rotini pasta, tender chicken, and rich marinara sauce, topped with gooey cheeses and a crunchy finishing touch, makes for a satisfying meal.

Let’s dive into how to make this delicious recipe step by step!

How to Make Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Making the Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole is straightforward and doesn’t require any complicated cooking methods. Here’s everything you need to know.

Ingredients

• 1½ cups uncooked rotini pasta
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
• 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
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup turkey ham or turkey pepperoni (optional, for added flavor)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (for topping)

Directions

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. Don’t worry—it cooks right in the sauce, soaking up all that flavor while baking.

3. Add the Chicken: Scatter the cooked chicken over the pasta. Leftover rotisserie chicken works wonderfully here. If you’ve got some turkey ham or turkey pepperoni on hand, this is a good moment to toss that in too for a bit of savory depth.

4. Mix the Sauce: In a separate bowl (or right in the baking dish if you like fewer dishes), mix the marinara sauce with the water or broth. Stir in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Pour it evenly over the pasta and chicken.

5. Cheese, Please: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top. You’ll want some of that melty cheese mixed in and some resting on top for that beautiful golden finish.

6. Add the Crunch: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the olive oil or melted butter. Sprinkle this over the casserole to give it a crispy, golden topping that mimics the crust of classic Chicken Parmesan.

7. Bake and Relax: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, uncover it and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the pasta is tender and the top is golden and bubbly.

8. Cool and Serve: Let it rest for about 5 minutes before digging in. This helps the casserole set a bit and makes serving easier.

How to Serve Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Once your casserole has cooled for a few minutes, it’s time to serve! Use a sharp spatula to scoop out portions and plate them up.

For an even more delightful dining experience, consider the following options for serving:

• Add a Side Salad: A simple green salad with your favorite dressing can be a fresh addition to balance the richness of the casserole.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: Warm, crusty garlic bread will complement the flavors beautifully and help scoop up all that delicious sauce.
• Pair with Vegetables: Steamed or roasted vegetables can add a splash of color and nutrition to your meal.

Don’t forget to have plenty of napkins ready—this dish is too good to waste!

How to Store Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole

If you have leftovers (and we hope you do!), storing them is easy:

• Refrigerator: Allow the casserole to cool completely. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. First, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2–3 months.

Reheating Instructions

When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat them in the oven or microwave. If using the oven, cover the dish with foil to prevent drying out and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. In the microwave, heat individual portions on medium power until warmed, stirring occasionally.

Tips to Make Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole

To ensure your casserole turns out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Use High-Quality Marinara Sauce: The sauce is a key component of this dish. Choose a marinara that you enjoy on its own for the best flavor.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Since the rotini cooks in the oven, make sure it’s uncooked when you layer. It will absorb the moisture from the sauce perfectly during baking.
• Experiment with Cheese: Feel free to mix different types of cheese if you want to experiment. Cheddar, provolone, or even fresh mozzarella could add a fun twist.
• Spice it Up: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce mixture.

Variation

There are countless ways to make this casserole your own! Here are a few variations you might consider:

• Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken with sautéed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
• Pasta Choices: While rotini works beautifully, you can use other pasta shapes such as penne or farfalle.
• Add Spinach: For an extra nutritional boost, you can add fresh or frozen spinach to the layers of the casserole.

Experimenting with ingredients can lead to delightful results!

FAQs

1. Can I use uncooked chicken in this recipe?
No, it’s best to use cooked chicken since this recipe cooks quickly and you want your chicken to be safe to eat.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it (without baking) for up to a day ahead. Just increase the baking time slightly if it’s cold from the fridge.

3. Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free pasta and ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

4. What can I serve alongside this casserole for a complete meal?
Salads, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables make excellent pairs for this casserole.

5. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers for later. Just make sure to cool them properly and store them in airtight containers.

Enjoy making this easy and delicious Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole! It’s a fantastic dish for busy weeknights when you crave comfort food without a hassle.

Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole

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• Author: amanda-hart
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: None

Pin Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A quick, easy, and delicious dinner option that combines the flavors of classic chicken Parmesan in a simple, wholesome casserole.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1½ cups uncooked rotini pasta
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
• 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
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup turkey ham or turkey pepperoni (optional, for added flavor)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (for topping)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and grab a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Pour the uncooked rotini pasta into the baking dish.
3. Scatter the cooked chicken over the pasta.
4. In a separate bowl, mix the marinara sauce with the water or broth, and stir in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the pasta and chicken.
6. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top.
7. Mix the breadcrumbs with the olive oil or melted butter, then sprinkle over the casserole.
8. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
9. Uncover and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the pasta is tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
10. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For variations, consider using sautéed vegetables instead of chicken for a vegetarian dish or adding different kinds of cheese.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: chicken parmesan, casserole, weeknight dinner, comfort food