Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake: Comforting Casserole Recipe

Baked Chicken Cacciatore Casserole Recipe

Overview:

This Baked Chicken Cacciatore Casserole is a delightful one-dish meal perfect for utilizing leftovers and creating a comforting dinner option. It combines tender chicken, hearty penne pasta, and savory vegetables in a rich, cheesy sauce that’s baked to perfection.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: 596
• Dietary Information:
  • Fat: 21.4g
  • Saturated Fat: 5.3g
  • Cholesterol: 36.9mg
  • Sodium: 1459.5mg
  • Carbohydrates: 83.9g
  • Fiber: 9.9g
  • Sugar: 25.7g
  • Protein: 20.1g

Ingredients:

• 1/2 chicken breast or thigh, cooked and shredded
• 1/2 cup penne pasta, uncooked
• 1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced
• 2 medium carrots, shredded
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 2 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup spaghetti sauce
• 1/2 cup condensed cream of mushroom soup

Instructions:

1. Prepare Pasta:

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   • Cook the penne pasta in 4 quarts of rapidly boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.

2. Prepare Chicken:

   • Shred the cooked chicken into bite-size pieces. Toss the shredded chicken with dried basil, dried oregano, onion powder, and garlic powder. Set aside.

3. Prepare Vegetables:

   • Shred the carrots and slice the fresh mushrooms.

4. Assemble the Casserole:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the bottom of a large (4-quart) casserole dish with olive oil.
   • Layer the ingredients in the following order: shredded chicken, sliced mushrooms, shredded carrots, and cooked penne pasta.

5. Add Sauces:

   • Pour the spaghetti sauce and condensed cream of mushroom soup evenly over the casserole. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors.

6. Add Cheese:

   • Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the casserole.

7. Bake:

   • Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
   • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.

8. Serve:

   • Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Baked Chicken Cacciatore Casserole!

Tips:

• You can customize this casserole by adding more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
• For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
• This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking. Just increase baking time slightly if baking from cold.

This recipe is a perfect solution for busy weeknights or when you have leftover chicken and vegetables to use up. It’s hearty, flavorful, and sure to become a family favorite!