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Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake

Indulgent Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake That Everyone Will Love

This Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake is a comforting delight, combining tender chicken, pasta, and a melty cheese layer—perfect for cozy evenings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 2 pieces Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts Feel free to use shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil Substitute with canola or vegetable oil if needed.
For the Sauce
  • 1 piece Onion Red or yellow onions can be used interchangeably.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Fresh minced garlic is optimal for maximum flavor.
  • 1 can Canned Crushed Tomatoes Fresh tomatoes work great if preferred.
  • 8 ounces Canned Tomato Sauce Substitute with passata if unavailable.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Basil Using fresh herbs can elevate the taste even more.
  • ½ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Optional for a spicy kick.
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper
For the Pasta
  • 12 ounces Pasta (Penne, Rotini, etc.) Feel free to swap shapes based on preference.
For the Toppings
  • 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese You can also swap with provolone or Monterey Jack for variation.
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese Mixing in other cheese blends can add complexity.
  • ½ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Nutritional yeast can serve as a non-dairy substitute if desired.
  • ¼ cup Chopped Fresh Parsley Completely optional.

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Baking Dish
  • Pot
  • colander

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake
  1. Season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chicken for about 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to cool.
  2. In the same skillet, add more olive oil if necessary, and toss in the chopped onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in a can of crushed tomatoes and a can of tomato sauce into the skillet. Add dried oregano, basil, and optional red pepper flakes. Mix well and let it simmer for 15 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally.
  4. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, mixing it into the sauce and letting everything combine for an additional 5 minutes.
  5. While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander without rinsing it.
  6. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  7. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta with the sauce and chicken mixture, stirring gently until the pasta is coated with sauce.
  8. Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  9. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese over the pasta in an even layer.
  10. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  11. Let the Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake rest for about 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 15mg

Notes

This Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake is versatile; feel free to customize with different vegetables or spices for a personal touch.

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