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Chicken Pasta Bake

Chicken Pasta Bake
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Enjoy a cozy and family-friendly Chicken Pasta Bake featuring tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, cheesy tomato sauce. This simple and comforting dish is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, delivering a warm and satisfying meal that’s customizable and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Pasta

  • 2 large chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 300g penne or rigatoni pasta

Cheese Blend

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese

Sauce and Aromatics

  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tsp fresh basil, chopped
  • 1 tsp fresh oregano, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Dice chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces to ensure quick and even cooking.
  2. Cook the Chicken and Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until cooked through and lightly golden. Add chopped garlic and onion, cooking until softened and fragrant.
  3. Combine Sauce Ingredients: Pour tomato sauce into the skillet with chicken and aromatics. Stir and add chopped fresh herbs. Let simmer gently for 5 minutes to deepen flavors.
  4. Mix Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl or casserole dish, combine the cooked pasta with the chicken and tomato sauce mixture. Stir well so each piece of pasta is coated with sauce.
  5. Layer with Cheese and Bake: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Generously sprinkle the cheese blend evenly on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
  6. Serve Warm: Let the bake rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly and improve portioning.

Notes

  • Avoid overcooking pasta at the start since it will bake further in the oven.
  • Use fresh herbs for the best flavor and add them just before baking.
  • Be mindful not to add too much sauce to prevent sogginess.
  • Mix semi-hard cheeses for better meltability and sharp cheeses for flavor complexity.
  • Allow the baked dish to rest after baking to enhance texture and flavor melding.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken pasta bake, cheesy chicken bake, family dinner, easy chicken recipe, baked pasta dish

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/chicken-pasta-bake/