One-Pan Dump and Bake Chicken Parmesan: A No-Fuss Comfort Meal

This Dump and Bake Chicken Parmesan is the ultimate comfort dish that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. With just one pan and a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy a hearty, cheesy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. No need to pre-cook anything—just dump, bake, and enjoy!

The first time I tried this Dump and Bake Chicken Parmesan, I was hooked. It quickly became a favorite in our household, especially on those busy nights when cooking feels like a chore. My husband was amazed at how delicious it was, considering how little time I spent in the kitchen. Now, it’s our go-to meal for those hectic weekdays, and every time we dig in, it’s like a little celebration of easy, stress-free cooking.

Why This Dump and Bake Chicken Parmesan Will Become Your Weeknight Hero

• One-Pan Wonder: Say goodbye to endless dishes! This recipe uses just one baking dish, making cleanup a breeze.
• No Pre-Cooking Required: There’s no need to boil the pasta or cook the chicken beforehand—everything cooks together in the oven, saving you time and effort.
• Cheesy, Comforting Goodness: With a generous layer of mozzarella and Parmesan, this dish is ooey-gooey and satisfying, perfect for cheese lovers.
• Customizable: You can easily switch up the ingredients, like using different types of pasta or adding veggies, to suit your family’s preferences.

Ingredients:

• 1 package (340g / 12 oz) whole wheat penne pasta
• 1 jar (680g / 24 oz) pasta sauce
• 2-3 cups (475-710ml) water
• 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cut into small pieces
• 2 cups (225g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup (100g) bread crumbs
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare a 9 x 13-inch (23 x 33 cm) baking dish by spraying it with cooking spray.
2. Combine the Ingredients: In the prepared baking dish, add the uncooked penne pasta, pasta sauce, 2-3 cups of water, chicken pieces, and ½ cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Stir everything together, ensuring that the pasta and chicken are fully submerged in the liquid.
3. First Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
4. Second Bake: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the pasta is tender.
5. Add the Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining 1½ cups of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and bread crumbs evenly over the top of the pasta.
6. Final Bake: Return the dish to the oven and bake, uncovered, for about 10 more minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the bread crumbs are golden brown.
7. Serve: Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the cheesy, comforting goodness!

Notes:

• Pasta Options: Feel free to use any type of pasta you prefer. Just adjust the baking time if necessary, depending on the pasta’s cooking instructions.
• Add Veggies: For a more nutritious meal, you can add veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms directly into the dish before baking.
• Gluten-Free: To make this dish gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta and bread crumbs.
• Extra Flavor: For added flavor, you can mix Italian seasoning into the bread crumbs before sprinkling them over the dish.