Ingredients and Weight:
- Chicken Breasts: 8 (skinless and boneless, about 2 pounds total)
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons
- San Marzano Tomatoes: 24 oz. (or high-quality canned tomato sauce)
- Fresh Basil: 1/4 cup (chopped)
- Oregano: 1 tablespoon (dried)
- Salt and Pepper: to taste
- Mozzarella Cheese: 16 oz. (sliced or shredded)
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup
- Spaghetti or Linguine Noodles: enough for 8 people
Preparation Time:
- Preparation: 30 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cooking: 45-60 minutes (depending on cooking method)
Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Marinate chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and oregano for at least 30 minutes in a shallow dish or zip-lock bag.
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In a separate dish, combine the San Marzano tomatoes with fresh basil and season with salt and pepper. Blend well.
- Cover a baking dish with a thin layer of tomato sauce.
- Arrange chicken breasts on the tomato sauce, then top each chicken breast with mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese.
- Cover the chicken with more tomato sauce and sprinkle with remaining parmesan cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for about 45 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
- Serve with spaghetti or linguine noodles and enjoy!
Nutritional Information: (per serving)
Calories: Approx. 400-500 (depending on serving size and additional toppings)
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 35g
(Note: Nutritional information may vary based on specific ingredients used.)
Dish Characteristics:
- Freezable before baking for make-ahead meal prep.
- Delicious combination of tomato, basil, and cheese flavors.
- Great for a family meal or dinner party.
User Comments:
- "This is an excellent dish for a busy weeknight! Love the make-ahead aspect." - John Smith
- "The flavors were spot on and the dish was a hit with my family! Will definitely make again." - Sarah Johnson
- "I love how easy this recipe is to follow and the dish tastes so comforting." - Michael Thompson
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Use fresh ingredients for best results, especially the tomatoes and basil.
- Marinating the chicken is essential for flavor; don't skip this step!
- This dish can be made in advance and frozen before baking; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
