Dump and Bake Chicken Parmesan (Printable Version)

Baked chicken with penne, marinara, and melted cheese topped with crispy breadcrumbs for an effortless dinner.

# Everything You’ll Need:

→ Pasta and Liquids

01 - 1 (16 oz) package uncooked penne pasta
02 - 3 cups marinara sauce
03 - 3 cups water

→ Seasonings

04 - 1 teaspoon salt
05 - Ground black pepper, to taste

→ Protein

06 - 1.5 lbs raw chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces

→ Cheeses

07 - 1 to 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese or Italian cheese blend
08 - 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese

→ Toppings

09 - 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
10 - Fresh chopped herbs (basil or parsley), optional

# Steps to Cook:

01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
02 - In a large baking dish, mix together the uncooked penne pasta, marinara sauce, water, salt, and black pepper.
03 - Add the diced chicken breast to the pasta mixture and stir thoroughly to incorporate evenly.
04 - Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
05 - Remove the foil carefully, stir the casserole to redistribute ingredients evenly.
06 - Sprinkle shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and Panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
07 - Bake uncovered for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
08 - Optionally garnish with fresh chopped herbs such as basil or parsley before serving.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - Adjust baking time depending on individual oven performance. Vegetable additions can enhance nutritional value. This casserole can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before baking.