Zucchini Pepper Pasta & Chicken
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Description: This delightful dish combines the vibrant flavors of zucchini and peppers with tender chicken and pasta, resulting in a meal that is both light yet satisfying. Don’t let the zucchini intimidate you; it adds a wonderful texture and flavor to this easy one-dish meal. Perfect for those looking to enjoy a healthy yet filling dinner!
Recipe Category: One Dish Meal
Keywords: Low Cholesterol, Healthy, Under 4 Hours
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | Stewed tomatoes |
| 1 | Garlic |
| 2 | Zucchini |
| 1 | Basil |
| 2 | Boneless skinless chicken breasts |
| 4 | Mozzarella cheese |
| 1 | Angel hair pasta |
| 8 | Yellow pepper |
| 1 | Parmesan cheese |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 510 |
| Total Fat | 9.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 91.7 mg |
| Sodium | 754.9 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 61.8 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.1 g |
| Sugars | 11.8 g |
| Protein | 44.6 g |
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), allowing it to reach the perfect temperature for baking your dish.
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Prepare the Tomato Mixture: In a mixing bowl, stir the minced garlic into the stewed tomatoes. This will create a fragrant base for your casserole.
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Layer the Ingredients: Pour the tomato and garlic mixture into an ungreased 2-quart casserole dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
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Add the Vegetables: Layer the sliced zucchini and yellow pepper over the tomatoes, followed by the fresh basil. Remember not to stir the mixture; the layering is crucial for flavor development.
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Place the Chicken: Lay the boneless, skinless chicken breasts on top of the vegetable layers. This allows the chicken to absorb the flavors as it cooks.
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Moisten the Chicken: Using a spoon, take a little of the tomato mixture from the bottom of the dish and drizzle it over the chicken to keep it moist while baking.
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Bake the Dish: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 1 hour. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Add Cheese: After 1 hour, remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the top. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Prepare the Pasta: While the cheese is melting, cook the angel hair pasta in a large pot of boiling water until it reaches a tender but firm texture. This typically takes about 4-5 minutes.
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Drain the Pasta: Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and place it on a serving platter.
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Combine and Serve: Top the pasta with the tomato-vegetable sauce from the casserole, ensuring each serving gets a generous amount of the delicious sauce.
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Add the Chicken: Arrange the baked chicken on top of the pasta, showcasing the vibrant colors and inviting aromas.
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Finish with Parmesan: Just before serving, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top for an extra layer of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Zucchini Pepper Pasta & Chicken is best enjoyed fresh, straight from the oven. Pair it with a light salad or some crusty whole-grain bread for a complete meal. Enjoy the burst of flavors and the satisfaction of a healthy, delicious dish!
By incorporating these steps into your cooking routine, you’ll create a meal that is not only nourishing but also delightful to share with family and friends, proving that healthy eating can be both enjoyable and fulfilling.
