Chicken Dumpling Pasta Bake with Garlic and Parmesan

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting casserole with tender chicken dumplings layered in creamy pasta sauce, topped with golden Parmesan breadcrumbs. This american-inspired pasta ready in about 65 minutes pairs penne pasta, all-purpose flour, chicken broth for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 40 min Serves 6 American cuisine 650 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil 12 oz penne pasta in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente; drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Whisk 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1/2 cup milk, and 1/4 cup unsalted butter in a saucepan until smooth. Simmer for 3 minutes until thickened.
  3. Step 3: Dredge diced chicken breasts in 1/2 cup all-purpose flour mixed with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Sear chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat for 5 minutes per side until golden; set aside.
  5. Step 5: Sauté 1/2 cup diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves in the skillet for 3 minutes until soft. Add 28 oz crushed tomatoes and 1/4 cup chopped basil, then simmer for 10 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Stir thickened sauce into tomato mixture, then fold in cooked penne and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan.
  7. Step 7: Transfer to a 9x13-inch baking dish, top with chicken, and sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan and 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs.
  8. Step 8: Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly, then rest for 5 minutes before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Chicken Dumpling Pasta Bake with Garlic and Parmesan take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (25 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Chicken Dumpling Pasta Bake with Garlic and Parmesan?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep penne pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Chicken Dumpling Pasta Bake with Garlic and Parmesan?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Chicken Dumpling Pasta Bake with Garlic and Parmesan for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Chicken Dumpling Pasta Bake with Garlic and Parmesan?

American pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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