Looking to whip up a delicious and comforting meal for your family or a special gathering? Our Chicken Pasta Casserole is just what you need! Packed with flavorful ingredients and easy to make, this dish is sure to be a hit at your table. This hearty casserole combines tender chicken, savory pasta, and a tasty blend of cheeses for the perfect combination of flavors. Let’s get cooking!
**Chicken Pasta Casserole**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 pound chicken breast, cooked and shredded
– 12 ounces pasta of your choice, such as penne or rotini
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 cup frozen peas
– 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh parsley, for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic and diced bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the bell pepper is slightly softened.
5. Stir in the shredded chicken, frozen peas, diced tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5-6 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. In the prepared baking dish, spread half of the cooked pasta evenly on the bottom.
7. Layer half of the chicken mixture on top of the pasta, spreading it out evenly.
8. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the chicken mixture.
9. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, chicken mixture, and cheeses.
10. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
11. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
12. Once done, remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy the warm, cheesy goodness of this Chicken Pasta Casserole straight from the oven to your plate!
Capture the heartwarming essence of homemade comfort food with our Chicken Pasta Casserole. This versatile dish is ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, offering a delightful combination of flavors that will satisfy the whole family. We hope this recipe becomes a favorite in your recipe collection. Happy cooking!
