This Baked Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is a warm hug on a plate! It features tender chicken, creamy mozzarella, and tasty pasta, all baked together for a cheesy delight.
Honestly, what’s not to love? It’s like a party for your taste buds, and I can’t help but go back for seconds. Serve it with a side salad for the perfect meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend using pasta shells for great texture with the sauce. If you don’t have them, any short pasta like penne or rotini works well too. Just keep an eye on cooking times depending on the shape.
Chicken: Cooked chicken breast is a must, but you can use rotisserie chicken for convenience. If you’re vegetarian, consider swapping it with sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas for protein.
Marinara Sauce: The sauce is key for flavor. If you’re short on time, store-bought works great. For a homemade touch, mix canned tomatoes with Italian herbs. You could also try pesto for a twist!
Cheese: I love using mozzarella for its meltiness! If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, part-skim mozzarella or even ricotta can be used. Add some crumbled feta for a tangy kick!
How Do You Get the Best Flavor with the Chicken and Sauce?
Getting the flavors right is all about combining your ingredients thoughtfully! Start by sautéing the onions until they’re soft but not browned; this builds a sweet base for your dish.
- Cook the garlic briefly to keep it fragrant and avoid bitterness.
- Mix your chicken with the seasoning and tomatoes to ensure everything melds well before adding the marinara.
- Let it simmer together for a few minutes. This step allows the flavors to blend fully!
Following these steps will guarantee that each bite is packed with deliciousness. Don’t rush the cooking part; the savored time pays off when you take that first mouthful! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Baked Chicken Mozzarella Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz pasta shells or any short pasta
For the Chicken and Sauce:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or basil, oregano)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheese:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Garnish:
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 25 minutes to bake, totaling about 40 minutes. Perfect for a cozy dinner without too much hassle!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, grease a baking dish with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. You want your pasta to come out beautifully once cooked!
2. Cook the Pasta:
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (firm but cooked). This usually takes around 8-10 minutes. Drain it and set it aside for later.
3. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until it’s nice and translucent. Then, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until it’s fragrant—just don’t let it burn!
4. Mix in the Chicken and Veggies:
Now, stir in the diced chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, and your Italian seasoning. Cook this mixture for about 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors nicely. Sprinkle with salt and pepper according to your taste.
5. Combine with Marinara Sauce:
Pour in the marinara sauce. Give it a good stir and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes. This step helps the chicken and tomatoes soak up all that yummy sauce!
6. Mix Everything Together:
In a large bowl (or back in the skillet if it’s big enough), combine the cooked pasta with your chicken sauce mixture. Toss everything together well so the pasta is fully coated in that delicious sauce!
7. Assemble the Dish:
Transfer the pasta mixture into your greased baking dish. Don’t forget to sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top—cheese lovers rejoice!
8. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and has a golden tint to it. The smell will be irresistible!
9. Cool and Garnish:
When it’s done baking, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Finish it off with some fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.
Now, dig in and enjoy your comforting Baked Chicken Mozzarella Pasta! It’s perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in. You deserve it!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While pasta shells work wonderfully, you can substitute with any short pasta like penne, rotini, or even fusilli. Just be mindful of the cooking times, as they may vary between pasta types.
What Can I Substitute for Chicken?
If you’re looking for a meatless option, sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or even chickpeas can make a great substitute for chicken. Another option is using shredded rotisserie chicken for added flavor and convenience!
Can This Dish Be Made Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the pasta and chicken mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just add the cheese and bake it right before serving. It’s a great time-saver for busy nights!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through, or microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally for even heating.