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Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole

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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

Scale

  1. For the Casserole:

    • 1 lb penne pasta, uncooked
    • 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
    • 3 cups chicken broth
    • 4 garlic cloves, minced
    • 1 ½ lbs (12-13 pieces) frozen popcorn chicken, thawed
    • 1 ½ cups grated mozzarella cheese
    • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

    For the Breadcrumb Topping:

    • 4 slices Italian bread
    • 2 tbsp salted butter, melted
    • ½ tsp Italian seasoning

    For Garnish:

    1. 1 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
    2. 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

  • You can swap the popcorn chicken for any type of cooked chicken, such as grilled or rotisserie chicken.
  • For a spicier version, add some red pepper flakes or use spicy marinara sauce.

 

  • If you prefer a crispier topping, toast the breadcrumbs under the broiler for a minute after baking.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://grandmarecipesflash.com/dump-and-bake-chicken-parmesan-casserole/