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Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 76 reviews

This Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake is a comforting and straightforward dish combining tender chicken, flavorful tomato sauce, and a blend of melted cheeses over perfectly cooked pasta. It’s an easy-to-make, family-friendly meal that brings together rich Italian flavors with gooey, bubbly baked cheese for a satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Sauce

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Pasta and Cheese

  • 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Season Chicken: Season chicken cubes generously with salt and black pepper to ensure they are well-flavored before cooking.
  2. Brown Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cubes and cook, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté Onion: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  5. Prepare Sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it gently simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet with the sauce and simmer together for another 5 minutes so the flavors meld.
  7. Cook Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  8. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pasta.
  9. Mix Pasta and Sauce: In a large bowl, gently combine the cooked pasta with the chicken and tomato sauce mixture until evenly coated.
  10. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  11. Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture.
  12. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
  13. Rest and Garnish: Remove the bake from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired for a fresh touch and color.

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier option.
  • For extra flavor, add a pinch of Italian seasoning or fresh basil.
  • Pasta shapes like penne or rotini hold the sauce well, but feel free to use your favorite.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven.
  • To make it spicier, increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.

Keywords: cheesy chicken pasta bake, baked pasta, chicken casserole, easy dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://platedandproud.com/cheesy-chicken-pasta-bake-recipe/