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Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 70 reviews

Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender chicken pieces simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce, combined with al dente pasta and topped with a blend of melted mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, this baked casserole brings together rich flavors and cheesy goodness in every bite.

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: Generously season the chicken cubes with salt and black pepper to enhance their flavor before cooking.
  2. Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté Onion: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté over medium heat until softened, approximately 5 minutes, which builds the base flavor for the sauce.
  4. Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant to bring out its aroma and flavor.
  5. Make Sauce: Pour in crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir in dried oregano, basil, and optional red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it gently simmer for 15 minutes while stirring occasionally to meld the flavors.
  6. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the tomato sauce and simmer together for an additional 5 minutes to integrate the flavors.
  7. Cook Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well to avoid excess water in the bake.
  8. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
  9. Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large bowl, gently mix the cooked pasta with the chicken tomato sauce, ensuring an even coating.
  10. Assemble Bake: Pour the pasta and sauce mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
  11. Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and grated Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top of the pasta mixture to create a rich cheesy crust.
  12. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
  13. Rest and Garnish: Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired for a fresh finish.

Notes

  • For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • You can swap chicken breasts for thighs for juicier meat.
  • Use gluten-free pasta to make it gluten free.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
  • Adding vegetables like bell peppers or spinach can increase nutritional value and add extra flavor.

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

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