This Baked Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is a warm and cheesy delight! It’s made with tender chicken, rich tomato sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese that’s melted to perfection.
I love how easy it is to throw together! Just mix it all in a baking dish, let the oven do its magic, and soon your home smells amazing. Who doesn’t love a delicious pasta night? 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend using rigatoni or penne for a great texture, but you can swap in any pasta shape you like, such as fusilli or shells. Just keep an eye on cooking times!
Chicken: You can use leftover rotisserie chicken, which adds flavor, or even turkey. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, try using cooked lentils or plant-based chicken substitutes.
Marinara Sauce: If you’re short on time, store-bought marinara works perfectly. For a homemade version, mix canned tomatoes with garlic, onion, and herbs. Feel free to adjust spices for your taste!
Cheese: Mozzarella is key for that melty goodness, but feel free to mix it up! Try Monterey Jack or provolone for a change. For the Parmesan, nutritional yeast makes a dairy-free alternative.
How Do I Ensure the Chicken and Sauce Are Well Combined?
Mixing the chicken and sauce thoroughly is essential for even flavor. Here’s how to get it right:
- When the garlic is fragrant, stir in the diced chicken and marinara sauce until everything is well-coated.
- Keep the heat at medium to warm everything through and promote blending flavors; aim for about 3-5 minutes.
- Taste the mixture before combining with pasta to adjust seasoning if needed.
This will create a delicious, cohesive dish that everyone will enjoy! Don’t forget to coat the pasta generously in the chicken-sauce mixture for the best flavor in every bite.
Baked Chicken Mozzarella Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta Dish:
- 12 oz rigatoni or penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Baked Chicken Mozzarella Pasta takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at around 40 minutes. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure your pasta dish gets bubbly and golden when baked.
2. Cook the Pasta:
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni or penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions, but stop just before it’s fully tender (we call this al dente). After about 8-10 minutes, drain the pasta and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In a large skillet over medium heat, pour in olive oil. Once warmed, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it smells amazing and fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
4. Combine the Ingredients:
Add the cooked chicken, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet with the garlic. Stir everything together and let it cook for 3-5 minutes until heated through. This helps all those delicious flavors come together!
5. Mix in the Pasta:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the chicken and sauce mixture. Stir gently until everything is evenly mixed.
6. Layer in the Baking Dish:
Grease a baking dish, then transfer half of the pasta mixture into it. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese and a bit of Parmesan on top. This will create a cheesy layer that’s oh-so-tasty!
7. Add More Layers:
Add the remaining pasta mixture to the baking dish, packing it gently. Top with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
8. Bake to Perfection:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and has nice golden spots. Yummy!
9. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, carefully remove it from the oven. Let it cool for about 5 minutes—it’ll be hot! This also allows the layers to set a bit.
10. Garnish and Enjoy:
If desired, sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top before serving. This adds a nice pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your warm, cheesy, and comforting Baked Chicken Mozzarella Pasta!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rigatoni and penne are great choices, you can use any pasta shape you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly based on the pasta you choose, aiming for al dente.
Can I Substitute the Chicken with Something Else?
Yes, you can replace cooked chicken with leftover turkey or even sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian option. If you’re looking for a plant-based alternative, try using chickpeas or a meat substitute like tofu or tempeh.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm them gently in the oven. Just make sure to cover it to prevent drying out!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the entire dish up to the baking step and store it in the fridge for a day. Just cover it well before baking. When you’re ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.