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:
- 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.
- 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.
- First Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- 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.
- Add the Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining 1½ cups of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and bread crumbs evenly over the top of the pasta.
- 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.
- 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.
