This tasty Baked Chicken Mozzarella Pasta mixes juicy chicken, cheesy mozzarella, and twirly pasta for a comforting dish everyone loves. It’s easy to make and perfect for cozy nights!
Whenever I make this, my family gets excited. Who can resist melted cheese bubbling on top? I love serving it with a green salad for a yummy meal any day of the week.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Rigatoni, ziti, or penne are all great choices! I love using rigatoni because its ridges hold the sauce perfectly. If you don’t have these, any short pasta will work, like fusilli or farfalle.
Cooked Chicken: Diced rotisserie chicken is super convenient and tasty. If you need a vegetarian option, try using mushrooms or chickpeas for added protein.
Marinara Sauce: Store-bought sauce is a time-saver. If you prefer homemade, mix crushed tomatoes with garlic, onions, and herbs. This adds nice freshness!
Cheeses: Mozzarella is a must for its melting qualities. For a twist, try mixing in some cheddar or gouda. Parmesan can be skipped if you need to, although it adds depth.
Seasonings: If you’re out of Italian seasoning, use equal parts of dried oregano, basil, and thyme. Fresh herbs can be used too but add them towards the end for better flavor.
What’s the Best Way to Keep the Cheese From Burning?
To achieve that perfect bubbly golden-top without burning the cheese, follow these tips:
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil for the first 15 minutes of baking to retain moisture.
- Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to let the cheese brown.
- Keep an eye on it during baking! If the cheese is browning too fast, lower the temperature slightly.
Letting your dish cool for a few minutes after baking helps with serving, too. Happy cooking!
Baked Chicken Mozzarella Pasta
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken:
- 12 oz (about 340 g) pasta (such as rigatoni, ziti, or penne)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
Sauce and Cheese:
- 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Aromatics and Seasoning:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Garnish:
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish
Time Needed
This dish takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and about 25 minutes of baking time, totaling around 40 minutes. It’s an easy recipe that packs a lot of flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with some cooking spray or olive oil.
2. Cook the Pasta:
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions, but reduce the cooking time by 2 minutes so it’s slightly undercooked. This will help the pasta hold its shape during baking. Once done, drain and set aside.
3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent—this usually takes about 4 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and stir for another 30 seconds, just long enough for the garlic to become fragrant.
4. Mix in the Sauce:
Stir in the marinara sauce and dried Italian seasoning. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to your taste! Let this sauce simmer gently on low heat for about 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
5. Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced chicken, and the marinara sauce mixture. Gently stir everything together until well coated.
6. Layer the Pasta:
Transfer half of this delicious mixture into your greased baking dish. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top for a cheesy layer. Then, add the remaining pasta mixture on top, finishing with the rest of the shredded cheese.
7. Bake:
Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the cheese is all melted, bubbly, and beautifully golden brown on top!
8. Cool and Serve:
After baking, carefully remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Just before serving, sprinkle some freshly chopped basil on top for a burst of flavor.
Enjoy your comforting and cheesy Baked Chicken Mozzarella Pasta!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie or grilled chicken works perfectly in this dish. Just make sure it’s shredded or diced into bite-sized pieces for even distribution throughout the pasta.
What If I Don’t Have Marinara Sauce?
If you don’t have marinara sauce, you can use a mix of crushed tomatoes, garlic, and Italian herbs as a substitute. Alternatively, any jarred pasta sauce you enjoy will do the trick!
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the chicken with a mix of your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. You can also add some chickpeas or lentils for protein.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm it in the oven until heated through, adding a splash of sauce if it seems dry.
