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Chicken Caprese Pasta Bake

Chicken Caprese Pasta Bake
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Chicken Caprese Pasta Bake is a hearty and comforting one-dish meal featuring tender diced chicken, fresh cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, aromatic basil, and pasta baked together in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for a fuss-free weeknight dinner, this cheesy bake combines fresh ingredients and familiar flavors for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to prepare and delightful to share.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 2 large chicken breasts, diced

Vegetables & Herbs

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Pasta & Sauces

  • 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 2 cups tomato sauce

Oils & Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Cook 12 oz of penne or rigatoni according to the package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside, as the pasta will finish cooking in the oven.
  2. Sauté the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season diced chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook until golden brown on all sides and fully cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Build the Sauce Base: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant. Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook until they soften and release their juices. Pour in 2 cups of tomato sauce, stir gently to combine, and simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors.
  4. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sautéed chicken, tomato sauce mixture with tomatoes and garlic, chopped fresh basil leaves, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix everything evenly to ensure good distribution of all ingredients.
  5. Assemble and Bake: Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the bake cool slightly, about 5 minutes. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves for an aromatic and visually appealing finish before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh basil and ripe tomatoes for the best flavor and color.
  • Do not overcook pasta; al dente is ideal as it will continue baking.
  • Cut chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
  • Layer mozzarella cheese inside and on top for a gooey, golden crust.
  • Let the bake rest 5 minutes after baking to set and make serving easier.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Caprese Bake, Pasta Bake, Cheesy Chicken Pasta, Caprese Pasta, Italian Bake, Weeknight Dinner

Find it online: https://tastebudtrek.com/chicken-caprese-pasta-bake/