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Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parm Casserole

Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parm Casserole

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  • Author: Maria
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Description

This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a quick, easy, and delicious weeknight meal! Featuring tender pasta, crispy popcorn chicken, and gooey cheese, this one-pan dinner is the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for busy nights!

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Casserole:

  • 1 lb penne pasta, uncooked
  • 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 1/2 lbs (12-13 pieces) frozen popcorn chicken, thawed
  • 1 1/2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Breadcrumb Topping:

  • 4 slices Italian bread
  • 2 tbsp salted butter, melted
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

For Garnish:

 
  • 1 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
  • 1 tbsp fresh chopped basil

Instructions

  • Preheat & Prepare Bread:

    • Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).
    • Place bread slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Lightly spray with cooking spray.
    • Toast for 10 minutes until golden and crispy, then let cool.

  • Prepare the Casserole Base:

    • In a large bowl, combine uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, chicken broth, and garlic.
    • Stir well, then transfer to a greased 13×9-inch casserole dish, spreading evenly.
    • Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.

  • Make the Breadcrumb Topping:

    • Crush the toasted bread into fine crumbs.
    • In a bowl, mix with melted butter and Italian seasoning. Set aside.

  • Assemble & Bake:

    • Remove casserole from the oven and stir gently.
    • Nestle popcorn chicken into the pasta, distributing evenly.
    • Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
    • Return to the oven, uncovered, and bake for 10 minutes.

  • Final Bake:

    • Sprinkle the breadcrumb topping over the casserole.
    • Bake for another 5-10 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.

 

  • Serve & Enjoy:

    • Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
    • Garnish with parsley and basil, then enjoy!

Notes

  • Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a kick.
  • Cheese Swap: Try provolone or fontina for a unique twist.
  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion
  • Calories: 610
  • Sugar: 9g
  • Sodium: 940mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 72g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

Find it online: https://cooktune.com/dump-and-bake-chicken-parm-casserole/