How to make Baked Chicken Pasta


Here's a recipe for Baked Chicken Pasta that serves 6-8 people:

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
  • 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
  2. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until it is al dente, then drain it and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until they are softened and fragrant.
  4. Add the shredded chicken to the skillet and stir to combine with the onions and garlic. Cook for about 2 minutes.
  5. Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet and add the dried basil and oregano. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
  6. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and mix everything together.
  7. Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  8. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese on top of the pasta.
  9. Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  10. Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Baked Chicken Pasta!


Benefits of Baked Chicken Pasta


Baked Chicken Pasta can be a delicious and satisfying meal that offers several health benefits. Here are a few:

  1. Good source of protein: The chicken in the recipe is a great source of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles, tissues and cells.
  2. High in complex carbohydrates: Pasta is a complex carbohydrate that provides energy for your body to function properly.
  3. Rich in vitamins and minerals: The tomato sauce used in the recipe contains vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium, among other nutrients. Additionally, the pasta contains B-vitamins such as riboflavin, niacin and thiamin.
  4. May help with weight management: If you use whole grain pasta and opt for reduced-fat cheese, this dish can be lower in calories and fat than some other pasta dishes.
  5. Promotes family bonding: Preparing and sharing meals with loved ones can help promote family bonding and create memories that last a lifetime.


Keep in mind that moderation and balance are key when it comes to maintaining a healthy diet, so be sure to enjoy baked chicken pasta as part of a well-rounded meal plan.


More details about Baked Chicken Pasta

Here are a few more details about Baked Chicken Pasta:

  • Baked Chicken Pasta is a comforting Italian-American dish that typically consists of cooked pasta mixed with tomato sauce, seasoned chicken, and melted cheese. The mixture is then baked in the oven until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  • There are many variations of the recipe, and you can customize it to suit your tastes or dietary restrictions. For example, you can use gluten-free pasta if you're sensitive to gluten or swap out regular pasta for whole grain pasta to increase the fiber content.
  • To make the dish even healthier, you can add some vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers or spinach to the sauce mixture. This will not only help boost the nutritional value of the dish, but also add some flavor and color to it.
  • Baked Chicken Pasta is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or as a side dish to accompany other Italian dishes like garlic bread or a salad.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, and reheated in the microwave or oven for a quick and easy meal.
How to make Baked Chicken Pasta