Chicken breast pasta bake is a classic dish that can be enjoyed by the whole family. It is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit both meat-eaters and vegetarians alike. It is also a great way to use up any leftovers you may have in the fridge. The combination of succulent chicken breast, creamy pasta sauce, and crunchy vegetables makes this dish a real winner!
Ingredients
To make a delicious chicken breast pasta bake, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 large chicken breasts, diced
- 2 cups of your favorite pasta sauce
- 1 cup of diced vegetables (such as mushrooms, peppers, or onions)
- 1/2 cup of shredded cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 pound of your favorite pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)
Instructions
Making this delicious dish is easy. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Meanwhile, cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breasts and cook until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Add the vegetables and cook for an additional 3 minutes. Season with salt, pepper and Italian seasoning, if using.
In a large baking dish, layer the cooked pasta, chicken and vegetables, and pasta sauce. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the top of the dish is golden brown.
Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
This dish can easily be adapted to suit your taste. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and replace it with your favorite vegetables, such as mushrooms, peppers, or onions. You can also add other ingredients, such as cooked bacon or ham, for extra flavor. Feel free to experiment with different combinations!
This dish can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the baking dish in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best type of cheese to use for this dish?
Any type of cheese will work for this dish, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan. You can also use a combination of different cheeses, if desired.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the baking dish in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until heated through.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, this dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, let the dish cool completely and then place it in a freezer-safe container. To thaw, simply place the dish in the refrigerator overnight. When ready to bake, preheat the oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the top of the dish is golden brown.
Can I use other types of vegetables in this dish?
Yes, feel free to experiment with different vegetables, such as mushrooms, peppers, or onions. You can also add other ingredients, such as cooked bacon or ham, for extra flavor.
Can I use a different type of pasta for this dish?
Yes, any type of pasta will work for this dish, such as penne, rigatoni, or macaroni. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free pasta.
