If you’re searching for a comforting, flavorful meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this One Dish Easy Chicken Cacciatore Pasta Bake Recipe is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen. It combines tender chicken, vibrant peppers, savory tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked penne pasta baked together with gooey mozzarella cheese. The beautiful part? It all cooks in the same dish, making both the preparation and cleanup a breeze. This recipe offers a balanced medley of tastes and textures that truly satisfies without any fuss, perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinner parties where you want to impress with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but crucial for building the rich, comforting flavor profile of the dish. Each one plays an important role in giving this pasta bake its heartwarming taste, colorful appeal, and just the right texture to keep you coming back for more.
- Olive oil: Essential for sautéing and greasing the casserole, adding subtle richness.
- Chicken breasts: Tender and protein-packed, they soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Salt & pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance every flavor layer effortlessly.
- Large peppers (diced): Adds color, sweetness, and a slight crunch for textural contrast.
- Onion (chopped): Brings a savory depth and slight natural sweetness once cooked.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Boosts the aromatic complexity and warmth of the dish.
- Penne pasta: Whole wheat works wonderfully here, holding sauce and baking tender without getting mushy.
- Tomato basil spaghetti sauce: Or homemade seasoned crushed tomatoes, the sauce ties everything together with tangy, herby goodness.
- Water: Helps cook the pasta perfectly inside the casserole without drying out the dish.
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded): Melts over the top to create that irresistible golden bubbly crust.
- Fresh basil leaves (optional): Adds freshness and a pop of herbaceous flavor right before serving.
How to Make One Dish Easy Chicken Cacciatore Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Grease Your Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 360°F (180°C). A well-greased casserole dish with olive oil is essential to prevent sticking and to add a subtle hint of flavor right from the start. I love using a deep 7×11 inch or 8×12 inch dish to make sure everything fits perfectly and cooks evenly.
Step 2: Layer the Chicken
Place your chicken breasts directly in the bottom of the dish and season liberally with salt and pepper. This layer forms a flavorful, juicy base as the chicken releases its natural juices during baking.
Step 3: Add the Veggies and Pasta
Scatter the diced peppers, chopped onion, and minced garlic evenly over the chicken. Then, spread the dry penne pasta on top, gently pressing everything down to pack the layers close together. This stacking method ensures the flavors meld beautifully during baking.
Step 4: Pour on the Sauce and Water
Pour your tomato basil sauce along with the water carefully over the top, making sure to distribute it evenly with the back of a spoon. The liquid is key to cooking the pasta inside the casserole so it absorbs all that wonderful flavor without needing to pre-boil.
Step 5: Bake Covered, Then Cheese On Top
Cover your baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and pop it on the middle rack. Let it bake for around 60 to 80 minutes depending on your oven’s quirks—the pasta should be tender but not mushy. Remove the foil, sprinkle mozzarella cheese across the top, and bake uncovered for an extra 10 to 15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, plate up scoops of the saucy pasta with a chicken breast on top, and don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves to brighten the flavors instantly. Serve immediately and prepare for happy diners.
How to Serve One Dish Easy Chicken Cacciatore Pasta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are a fantastic finishing touch, adding a pop of vibrant green and fresh aroma to each serving. For a little extra indulgence, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil can elevate the flavors even more.
Side Dishes
This hearty pasta bake is quite a complete meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, consider a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables. Garlic bread also pairs brilliantly, perfect for mopping up every last bit of that delicious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or family gathering, try serving the pasta bake family-style in the casserole dish at the center of the table so everyone can help themselves. Or plate it elegantly with a basil sprig and a dusting of Parmesan at the edge for a restaurant-inspired presentation that’s surprisingly simple.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making the next day’s meal just as delicious, if not better!
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Just transfer cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags. It can keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your chicken cacciatore pasta bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave portions covered for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway, works fine for weeknight convenience.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this bake?
Absolutely! While penne is perfect for capturing sauce and holding up well, rigatoni, fusilli, or even rotini can work splendidly if that’s what you have on hand.
Is it necessary to cover the casserole while baking?
Covering the dish locks in moisture and allows the pasta to cook evenly in the sauce without drying out. You remove the foil toward the end to brown the cheese for that irresistible crust.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Simply omit the mozzarella or substitute with a dairy-free cheese alternative that melts well. The dish will still be delicious and comforting.
How can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
You can toss in mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach with the peppers and onions for extra nutrition and flavor depth. Just chop them to similar sizes for even cooking.
What if I want a spicier version?
Add some red pepper flakes to the sauce or sprinkle some chili powder over the chicken before baking. A little heat wakes up the dish beautifully without overpowering the other flavors.
Final Thoughts
This One Dish Easy Chicken Cacciatore Pasta Bake Recipe is pure comfort food magic that proves you don’t need complicated steps or tons of ingredients to create something truly special. It’s straightforward to make, packed with flavor, and feeds your loved ones with minimal cleanup afterward. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love with how easy and delicious baking chicken and pasta all in one dish can be!
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One Dish Easy Chicken Cacciatore Pasta Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This One Dish Easy Chicken Cacciatore Pasta Bake combines tender chicken breasts with vibrant peppers, onions, and garlic baked in a rich tomato basil sauce with whole wheat penne pasta. Topped with melted mozzarella cheese and fresh basil, it’s a comforting, all-in-one casserole perfect for a hearty family dinner.
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 2 large bell peppers, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (12-oz) box whole wheat penne pasta
- 1 (24-oz) jar tomato basil spaghetti sauce (or 24-oz crushed tomatoes with your own seasoning)
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 handful fresh basil leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 360°F (180°C). Grease a very deep 7×11 inch casserole dish (an 8×12 inch dish works well) with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Layer Chicken: Place the chicken breasts evenly at the bottom of the casserole dish. Season them generously with salt and pepper for flavor.
- Add Vegetables and Pasta: Evenly spread the diced peppers, chopped onion, and minced garlic over the chicken. Add the uncooked penne pasta evenly on top, pressing down slightly to submerge the ingredients.
- Add Sauce and Water: Carefully pour the jarred tomato basil spaghetti sauce and 1 1/4 cups of water over the entire dish. Use the back of a spoon to spread the sauce evenly.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture and bake on the middle oven rack for 60 to 80 minutes, until the pasta is nearly tender. Baking time varies depending on oven heat.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Return to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and starting to turn golden brown.
- Serve: Spoon the pasta onto four plates, placing a chicken breast and vegetable portions on each. Optionally, garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately for a warm, satisfying meal.
Notes
- Using whole wheat pasta adds a nutritious boost and a heartier texture.
- Adjust baking time based on your oven’s heat; check pasta doneness at 60 minutes.
- Substitute chicken breasts for thighs if preferred, but adjust baking time accordingly.
- The casserole can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before baking for convenience.
- Fresh basil adds a lovely fresh aroma but can be omitted if unavailable.
