Description
Cheesy Baked Chicken Pasta
Ingredients:
2 chicken breasts
(boneless and skinless)
1 lb penne pasta
1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley
(for garnish)
Instructions:
Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Slice the chicken into strips once cooked.
Cook the Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Assemble the Dish: In a baking dish, mix the cooked pasta with marinara sauce and half of the mozzarella cheese. Place the sliced chicken on top of the pasta mixture. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese over the chicken.
Top with Breadcrumbs: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with a little olive oil and sprinkle over the top of the dish for a crunchy topping.
Bake: Bake the dish for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot for a cheesy, comforting meal!
This cheesy baked chicken pasta is packed with flavors, combining gooey cheese, tender chicken, and a crispy breadcrumb topping for a comforting, filling dinner!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect result every time. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats, season two boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning. In a skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F). Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips. Simultaneously, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 1 lb of penne pasta until al dente, then drain.
In a 9×13 inch baking dish, combine the drained pasta with 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce and 3/4 cup (half) of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir until evenly coated. Arrange the sliced chicken strips over the pasta layer. Sprinkle the remaining 3/4 cup mozzarella and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the chicken. In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon of olive oil until it resembles wet sand, then sprinkle this mixture over the entire casserole. Bake on the middle rack for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden and the cheese is bubbly. Let it cool for 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty pasta bake is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a vegetable side, roasted broccoli or garlic breadsticks are excellent choices. To elevate the presentation, serve directly from the baking dish at the table for a family-style feel.
How-to Summary
- Cook and slice seasoned chicken breasts.
- Boil penne pasta until al dente and drain.
- Mix pasta with sauce and half the mozzarella in a baking dish.
- Top with chicken, remaining cheeses, and oiled breadcrumbs.
- Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different pasta shape? Absolutely. Rigatoni, ziti, or fusilli hold sauce well and are great substitutes for penne.
How can I make this dish ahead of time? Assemble the dish completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken? Yes, use about 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken. Simply mix it in with the pasta and sauce instead of layering it on top.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven until warm.
Is there a way to make the topping crispier? For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones and ensure they are lightly toasted in the oven during the final few minutes of baking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Pasta: Cook pasta only to al dente, as it will continue to soften while baking in the sauce.
- Dry Casserole: Ensure you use enough marinara sauce. If your sauce is very thick, consider adding a 1/4 cup of pasta water or broth to the mix.
- Soggy Topping: Mixing the breadcrumbs with a bit of oil is crucial. Skipping this step can result in a dry, dusty topping that doesn’t crisp up properly.
- Not Seasoning the Chicken: Season the chicken generously. It’s a primary flavor component, so underseasoning it will make the whole dish taste bland.
Conclusion
This cheesy baked chicken pasta is the ultimate comfort food, delivering a satisfying combination of tender chicken, melty cheese, and a crispy topping with minimal effort. It’s a versatile recipe perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or meal prep. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a consistently delicious and crowd-pleasing dish that will become a regular in your dinner rotation.