Ingredients and Weight:
- 8 oz. dried pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 lb. chicken breast, cut into cubes
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 jar (24 oz.) tomato sauce or pasta sauce of your choice
- 1 small bunch fresh basil leaves, torn into pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation Time:
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Difficulty Level:
Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Arrange in an even layer in a baking dish.
- Spread the tomato sauce over the chicken.
- Top with the cooked pasta, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese over the pasta.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
Nutritional Information:
(Please note that the nutritional information provided is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and quantities used.)
- Calories: Approximately 500-600 calories per serving (assuming 1 serving is about 1/8 of the casserole)
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Protein: 32g
Dish Characteristics:
- Comfort food that is perfect for a family meal or dinner party.
- Rich in flavor with the combination of tomato sauce, parmesan, and mozzarella.
- The dish has a creamy and cheesy texture that pairs well with the tenderness of the chicken and pasta.
User Comments:
- "This dish was a hit at my dinner party! The combination of flavors was excellent."
- "My family loved this casserole. It was so easy to make and it tasted delicious."
- "I served this as a side dish for a larger meal and it was a great complement to the main course."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Be sure to cook the pasta according to package instructions to ensure it is not too soft or too hard.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your preference, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the chicken and increase the amount of pasta.
- This dish can be easily doubled or tripled for larger gatherings.
