Print

Easy Cheesy Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Pasta

easy cheesy dump-and-bake chicken parmesan pasta - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and comforting chicken parmesan pasta baked in one dish with marinara sauce and melted cheeses, perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 12 oz uncooked pasta (penne or rigatoni recommended)
  • 4 cups marinara sauce
  • 2 cups water or chicken broth
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (low-moisture recommended)
  • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, a pinch)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch bite-sized pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and half the Italian seasoning.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes until white but not fully cooked through.
  5. In a large oven-safe baking dish, combine uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, water or broth, sautéed chicken with garlic, remaining Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir gently to mix.
  6. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and half of the parmesan cheese over the pasta mixture.
  7. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
  8. Bake for 35 minutes until pasta is tender and sauce is bubbling.
  9. Remove foil and sprinkle remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top.
  10. Bake uncovered for another 10 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
  11. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Sautéing chicken and garlic first adds depth of flavor and ensures chicken is cooked safely. Cover dish tightly with foil during initial bake to trap steam and cook pasta evenly. Let dish rest after baking to allow sauce to thicken and cheese to set. If pasta is firm after baking, add a splash more liquid and bake a few extra minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken parmesan, dump and bake, pasta bake, quick dinner, cheesy pasta, family meal, easy recipe

Find it online: https://bitematrix.com/easy-cheesy-dump-and-bake-chicken-parmesan-pasta-recipe-for-quick-dinners/