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
Scale
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.
