Are you tired of boring, bland chicken dinners that leave you feeling uninspired? Get ready to revolutionize your meal game with this mouthwatering Mustard Baked Chicken with Pasta Shells recipe! Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts lavishly coated in a rich, zesty Dijon mustard marinade, perfectly baked to golden perfection and topped with melted Parmesan cheese. This isn't just another chicken dish - it's a culinary adventure that will transform your weeknight dinner from mundane to magnificent in just one hour!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 cups pasta shells
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your chicken bakes evenly and thoroughly.
- While the oven is preheating, prepare the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated. This will create a flavorful marinade for the chicken.
- Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish. Pour the mustard mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 10 minutes, or up to 30 minutes if you have the time, to enhance the flavor.
- While the chicken is marinating, prepare the baking dish. Lightly grease it with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Once the chicken has marinated, place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake the chicken for 30-35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
- During the last 10 minutes of baking, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the chicken. This will create a deliciously cheesy crust as it melts and browns.
- While the chicken is finishing in the oven, you can prepare the pasta shells. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta shells with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste. Toss well to ensure the pasta is evenly seasoned.
- Once the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This will help retain the juices and keep the chicken moist.
- To serve, place a generous portion of the seasoned pasta shells on each plate. Top with a baked chicken breast and spoon any remaining mustard sauce from the baking dish over the chicken.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and added freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Mustard Baked Chicken with Pasta Shells!
Tips
- Marination is Key: Don't rush the marinating process. The longer the chicken sits in the mustard mixture (up to 30 minutes), the more flavor it will absorb.
- Temperature Matters: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches exactly 165°F (75°C) for perfect doneness and food safety.
- Cheese Timing: Add the Parmesan cheese during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent burning and achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Pasta Perfection: Cook your pasta shells al dente to maintain a slight bite and prevent mushiness.
- Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: Freshly chopped parsley isn't just a garnish - it adds a bright, fresh flavor that complements the rich mustard sauce.
- Let it Rest: Always let your chicken rest for a few minutes after baking to help retain its juices and ensure maximum tenderness.Pro Tip: For an extra flavor boost, try using a mix of Dijon and whole grain mustard in your marinade!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 585kcal
Carbohydrates: 47g
Protein: 50g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 105mg
