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Baked Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

This Baked Chicken Mozzarella Pasta combines tender chicken, creamy mozzarella, and al dente pasta for a deliciously satisfying meal. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 300 g chicken breast fillet
  • 250 g pasta (e.g. penne or rigatoni)
  • 400 g canned chopped tomatoes
  • 200 g mozzarella, diced
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, pressed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 180 °C (350 °F). This takes about 10 minutes. Make sure the oven is fully preheated before placing the dish inside.
  2. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water for about 8-10 minutes until al dente. The pasta should be firm to the bite. Drain and set aside to prevent further cooking.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast fillet and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Be sure to stir regularly for even browning.
  4. Add the finely chopped onion and pressed garlic cloves to the chicken. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. The aroma should be fragrant.
  5. Pour the canned chopped tomatoes into the pan and add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning along with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  6. Mix the cooked pasta with the chicken-tomato sauce in the pan. Stir well until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce, ensuring there are no dry spots.
  7. Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish. Evenly distribute the diced mozzarella on top. This will create a nice cheese crust while baking.
  8. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is golden brown and bubbling. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
  9. Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Optionally garnish the dish with fresh basil and serve hot. The cheese should be nicely melted and the pasta well infused.

Nutrition

Keywords: Ensure to sauté the chicken in a single layer for even cooking. Use pasta that absorbs the sauce well, like penne or rigatoni. Adjust seasoning to taste before adding the pasta. Grease the baking dish well to avoid sticking, and consider adding a layer of Parmesan before the mozzarella for extra flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.