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Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake

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A comforting and easy one-pan casserole that combines bite-sized chicken, marinara, and two kinds of cheese, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 540

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients
  • 2-3 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 16 oz dried short pasta (like penne or fusilli) These shapes hold sauce and cheese perfectly.
  • 24 oz marinara sauce Use your favorite brand or homemade.
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Provides gooey texture.
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Elevates the dish with salty punch.
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped Brings sweetness when sautéed.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic is essential for flavor.
Seasonings
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning Enhances the chicken and pasta.
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder Adds just the right hint of aroma.
  • Salt and pepper to taste Taste as you go.
Garnish
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped Adds beauty and flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) if baking. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
  2. Toss chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  3. Boil pasta 1–2 minutes less than package directions for al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, drain pasta, and set aside.
Cooking
  1. Heat 1–2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add chicken in a single layer and cook 4–5 minutes until browned and nearly cooked through.
  2. Transfer chicken to a plate. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add chopped onion. Cook 4–5 minutes until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Pour marinara into the skillet with onions. Stir and simmer 2–3 minutes. Add cooked pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce seems thick; toss to coat.
  4. Return chicken to the pan and fold in half the mozzarella and all the Parmesan. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  5. Transfer mixture to a 9x13 baking dish, sprinkle with remaining mozzarella, and bake 15-20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden. For a crisp top, broil 1–2 minutes, watching closely.
Serving
  1. Sprinkle with chopped parsley or basil and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 540kcalCarbohydrates: 62gProtein: 35gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 870mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6g

Notes

This pasta bake is quick to assemble and easily adaptable with various pasta shapes or leftover chicken. You can also replace cheese or adjust seasoning as preferred. Don't forget to reserve pasta water for adjusting the sauce consistency.
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