If you are craving a hearty, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug from your kitchen, the One Dish Easy Chicken Cacciatore Pasta Bake Recipe is about to become your new best friend. This dish combines tender chicken, vibrant peppers, and savory spaghetti sauce all baked together with pasta and melty mozzarella cheese. It’s a one-dish wonder that not only simplifies weeknight dinners but also delivers big on flavor and satisfaction. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this One Dish Easy Chicken Cacciatore Pasta Bake Recipe lies partly in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an important role, bringing layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish sing. From the juicy chicken breasts to the tangy tomato sauce and fresh basil, the combination creates a cozy yet vibrant meal.
- Olive oil: For greasing the dish and adding a subtle richness without overpowering the other flavors.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless are best for even cooking and tenderness throughout the bake.
- Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and bringing out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- Large peppers (diced): Adds a sweet crunch and brightens the dish with its color.
- Onion (chopped): Brings savory depth and a slight caramelized sweetness when baked.
- Garlic (minced): Gives a fragrant punch that harmonizes beautifully with the tomato sauce.
- Penne pasta (whole wheat preferred): Holds sauce well and provides a satisfying, chewy texture.
- Tomato basil spaghetti sauce (24-oz jar): The heart of this bake, delivering a rich, aromatic tomato base.
- Water: Helps the pasta cook perfectly in the sauce while maintaining moisture.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Creates a golden, bubbly crust that adds creamy, melty goodness.
- Fresh basil leaves (optional): Adding fresh herbaceous notes that brighten the finished dish.
How to Make One Dish Easy Chicken Cacciatore Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Casserole Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 360°F (180°C). Grease a deep casserole dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and to add a touch of flavor to the base. Using a dish around 7×11 inches or slightly larger works perfectly for this recipe, allowing enough space for the ingredients to meld together beautifully as they bake.
Step 2: Layer the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the casserole dish. Season generously with salt and pepper, which will penetrate while baking to keep your chicken juicy and flavorful. This direct layering forms a hearty foundation for the bake.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables and Pasta
Evenly distribute the diced peppers, chopped onion, and minced garlic over the chicken. Next, add the dry penne pasta on top and gently press everything down so the ingredients are nestled together snugly. The layering is key to ensuring every bite has a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Step 4: Pour the Sauce and Bake Covered
Carefully pour the tomato basil spaghetti sauce and water over the entire dish, making sure to spread it evenly with the back of a spoon so the pasta cooks evenly in this rich, flavorful liquid. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and moisture, then bake on the middle rack for 60 to 80 minutes. Keep in mind oven temperatures vary, so check occasionally to ensure the pasta is nearly tender before the next step.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
Once the pasta is almost done, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, just until the cheese is bubbling and starting to brown into a delicious golden crust. This final step gives the dish its signature cheesy, inviting appearance.
Step 6: Plate and Garnish
Spoon generous portions of the pasta bake onto plates, making sure to include a juicy chicken breast and a hearty scoop of the peppers and onions. If you have fresh basil leaves, scatter them on top for a burst of color and fresh herbal aroma that beautifully complements the richness of the bake.
How to Serve One Dish Easy Chicken Cacciatore Pasta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are the perfect finishing touch for this dish, brightening each bite with a peppery, aromatic hint. You might also consider a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for an elegant flair.
Side Dishes
Since this is a hearty stove-to-oven meal packed with flavors, light sides work best. A crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables will balance out the rich pasta bake without overwhelming your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your One Dish Easy Chicken Cacciatore Pasta Bake Recipe family-style right from the casserole dish, encouraging everyone to scoop their favorites. Alternatively, present individual portions in small ramekins for a charming, restaurant-style experience at home that impresses guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making it a delicious next-day lunch option.
Freezing
If you’d like to enjoy this dish later, this pasta bake freezes wonderfully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to preserve texture and taste.
Reheating
To reheat, cover your portion with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in bursts to avoid drying out the chicken and pasta.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne works wonderfully because it holds the sauce well, feel free to use rigatoni, fusilli, or whichever pasta you have on hand. Just keep in mind that bite-sized shapes tend to bake more evenly in this dish.
Is it necessary to cover the dish with foil during baking?
Covering the dish traps steam that helps the pasta cook perfectly and keeps the chicken moist. Baking uncovered from the start risks drying out the dish, so the foil step is definitely recommended.
Can I substitute fresh tomatoes for the jarred sauce?
You can, but using a jarred tomato basil spaghetti sauce simplifies the ingredient list and delivers consistent, rich flavor. If you prefer fresh tomatoes, use crushed tomatoes and season them well with herbs and spices for that signature cacciatore taste.
Can this recipe be made with chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Bone-in or boneless chicken thighs will add even more juiciness and flavor. Just adjust the bake time slightly since thighs may take a touch longer to cook through.
What is the best way to ensure the pasta cooks evenly?
Adding water to the sauce and baking with the foil cover helps create steam that cooks the pasta evenly. Also, pressing down the pasta and ingredients so they are distributed evenly in the casserole dish ensures no soggy or uncooked spots.
Final Thoughts
This One Dish Easy Chicken Cacciatore Pasta Bake Recipe really is a game changer for weeknight dinners or cozy weekend meals. It’s a wonderfully simple yet robust dish that brings the whole family to the table with smiles all around. Once you try it, you’ll appreciate how easy it is to create such a satisfying, flavorful meal with minimal fuss and maximum comfort. I can’t wait for you to fall in love with this recipe as much as I have!
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One Dish Easy Chicken Cacciatore Pasta Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-80 minutes covered, plus 10-15 minutes uncovered
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This One Dish Easy Chicken Cacciatore Pasta Bake combines tender chicken breasts with a medley of vegetables, whole wheat penne pasta, and a rich tomato basil sauce, all baked together to create a comforting and flavorful family meal. Topped with melted mozzarella cheese and fresh basil, it’s a hassle-free baked pasta dish perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 large bell peppers, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta and Sauce
- 1 (12-oz) box whole wheat penne pasta
- 1 (24-oz) jar tomato basil spaghetti sauce (or 24-oz jar crushed tomatoes with own seasoning)
- 1 1/4 cup water
Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 handful fresh basil leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 360°F (180°C) and grease a very deep 7×11 inch (or similar size, such as 8×12 inch) casserole dish with the olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the chicken base: Arrange the chicken breasts evenly at the bottom of the casserole dish and season them generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Add vegetables and pasta: Layer the diced peppers, chopped onion, and minced garlic evenly over the chicken. Then add the dry whole wheat penne pasta on top, pressing everything down slightly to compact the layers. Pour the tomato basil sauce and water carefully over the dish, spreading gently with the back of a spoon to ensure even coverage.
- Bake covered: Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and bake in the oven on the middle rack for 60 to 80 minutes. This duration allows the pasta to absorb liquid and soften; adjust time depending on your oven’s heat intensity.
- Finish with cheese topping: Remove the foil carefully and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the pasta. Return to the oven uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve and garnish: Plate the pasta bake by spooning portions onto four plates, each topped with a chicken breast and vegetables from the dish. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, and serve immediately for best flavor and warmth.
Notes
- Use a deep casserole dish to accommodate the layers and liquid without spilling during baking.
- Whole wheat pasta adds fiber and nutrition but can be substituted with regular pasta if preferred.
- Adjust the baking time slightly based on your oven’s temperature accuracy and pasta type.
- Fresh basil adds bright flavor but can be omitted or replaced with dried Italian herbs.
- For extra flavor, consider adding mushrooms or olives to the vegetables layer.
