This Baked Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is a cozy dish filled with tender chicken, pasta, and gooey mozzarella. It’s baked to golden perfection and is sure to warm your heart!
What’s better than cheesy pasta? This dish makes leftovers disappear fast. I love serving it with a simple side salad for a yummy weeknight meal that feels special!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: I love rotini for its spirals that hold onto sauce beautifully. However, you can use any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or elbow macaroni if that’s what you have.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish. If you’re looking for a quicker option, rotisserie chicken works perfectly too—just shred it and mix it in!
Olive Oil: This adds flavor when cooking the chicken. If you prefer, avocado oil or vegetable oil can also be good substitutes.
Marinara Sauce: Store-bought marinara works well, but homemade is even better. If you want a bit of a kick, you could try using a spicy marinara or adding red pepper flakes.
Cheese: While mozzarella is a must for that gooey factor, feel free to add other cheeses like cheddar or provolone for extra flavor. And if you need a dairy-free option, there are great vegan cheeses available.
How do I Cook Chicken Perfectly for This Dish?
Cooking chicken until perfectly tender is key to making this dish a hit! Here’s how to do it:
- Heat your skillet on medium heat and add the olive oil before adding the seasoned chicken. This ensures even cooking.
- Cook the chicken in one layer, without overcrowding the pan, to get a nice golden crust on each piece.
- Check for doneness by cutting a piece open; it should be white with no pink inside. If you’re unsure, a meat thermometer should read 165°F (74°C).
This method keeps your chicken juicy and tender, making your pasta dish even more delicious. Enjoy cooking!
Baked Chicken Mozzarella Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
For the Chicken:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sauce & Cheese:
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Garnish:
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Baked Chicken Mozzarella Pasta recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to bake, making the total time around 40 minutes. It’s a quick yet hearty meal perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it will be ready for your dish when you’re done preparing!
2. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
3. Prepare the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sprinkle the bite-sized chicken pieces with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until it’s golden and cooked through. You can stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once cooked, remove from heat.
4. Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, the sautéed chicken, and the marinara sauce. Stir until everything is well coated. This is where all the flavors come together!
5. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Take a greased baking dish and pour the pasta mixture into it, spreading it out evenly.
6. Add Cheese:
Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese generously over the top, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese. This is where the magic happens, with the cheese melting beautifully!
7. Bake!
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
8. Cool and Garnish:
Once it’s baked, carefully remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley to add some fresh flavor.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish it out while warm and enjoy your hearty, cheesy Baked Chicken Mozzarella Pasta. Perfect for any night of the week!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Pasta Instead of Regular Pasta?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta is a great option for added fiber and nutrients. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly, so check the package instructions for the best results!
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes, you can! Look for dairy-free mozzarella and Parmesan alternatives in the grocery store. There are many tasty vegan cheeses that melt well and can be used in this recipe.
What Should I Do with Leftover Baked Chicken Mozzarella Pasta?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or oven until heated through. You may want to add a splash of marinara sauce if it seems dry.
How Can I Customize This Recipe?
This dish is super versatile! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to the pasta mixture for extra nutrition. You can also change the protein by using turkey, sausage, or even beans for a vegetarian option!
