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
Scale
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.
