Are you tired of bland, boring dinners that leave your family uninspired? Get ready to transform your weeknight meal routine with this mouthwatering Chicken Pasta Bake that's packed with vegetables and bursting with flavor! This one-dish wonder is not just a meal, it's a culinary adventure that combines the comfort of pasta, the protein-rich goodness of chicken, and a rainbow of nutritious vegetables - all smothered in a delicious marinara sauce and topped with irresistibly melty cheese. In just 50 minutes, you'll create a dinner that's sure to become a new family favorite!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup broccoli, chopped
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or butter.
- If not already prepared, cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, chopped broccoli, and diced bell peppers.
- Pour marinara sauce over the pasta mixture, stirring gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the mixture, mixing thoroughly to distribute the seasonings.
- Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the dish.
- Top the pasta bake with shredded cheese, covering the entire surface for a melty, golden finish.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and slightly golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the dish to set.
- Serve hot, garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or basil if desired.
Tips
- Pasta Perfection: Always cook your pasta just until al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven. This prevents mushy pasta.
- Vegetable Prep: Chop vegetables into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and a consistent texture.
- Cheese Tip: For extra flavor, use a blend of cheeses like mozzarella and cheddar instead of just one type.
- Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare this dish in advance and refrigerate before baking. Just add 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
- Customization is Key: Feel free to swap vegetables based on what your family loves or what's in season.
- Leftover Love: This pasta bake reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 55mg
