Certainly! Here’s a hearty recipe for Baked Penne Pasta with Chicken that’s both delicious and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juice
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar sized casserole dish.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Sauté the chopped onion until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the diced red bell pepper and sliced mushrooms. Continue to cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5-6 minutes.
- Make Sauce: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, and heavy cream. Mix well to combine. Add the dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the sauce and vegetables. Stir in the frozen peas. Cook for another 2 minutes until the peas are heated through.
- Mix Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta with the sauce mixture. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley if desired.
Tips:
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes based on what you have on hand.
- Make Ahead: This dish can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
- Cheese Variations: Try adding other cheeses such as cheddar or fontina for a different flavor profile.
Enjoy this comforting and cheesy baked penne pasta with chicken as a satisfying meal for family and friends!
