Mediterranean Baked Chicken with Pasta

Ingredients and Weight:

• 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (1.5 pounds)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 pound penne pasta, cooked al dente

Preparation Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

30 minutes

Difficulty Level:

3

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a shallow dish, combine the chicken thighs, olive oil, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chicken thighs for 5 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
4. Transfer the chicken to a 9x13 inch baking dish.
5. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes, or until softened.
6. Stir in the marinara sauce and diced tomatoes. Bring to a simmer.
7. Pour the sauce over the chicken thighs.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbly.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve over cooked penne pasta.

Nutritional Information:

Per serving (1 chicken thigh with 1 cup pasta):

• Calories: 450
• Fat: 15 grams
• Protein: 30 grams
• Carbohydrates: 50 grams

Dish Characteristics:

• Tender and juicy chicken thighs
• Savory and flavorful Mediterranean sauce
• Creamy and al dente penne pasta
• Colorful and visually appealing

User Comments:

• "This dish was delicious! The chicken was so tender and the sauce was flavorful without being too heavy."
• "The combination of chicken and pasta was perfect. It was hearty and satisfying."
• "I love the Mediterranean flavors in this dish. It's like a vacation in a bowl."
• "This dish was easy to make and it turned out so well. My family loved it!"
• "I would definitely recommend this dish to anyone looking for a tasty and flavorful meal."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• If you don't have penne pasta, you can use any other type of pasta that you like.
• To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta.