Chicken Parmesan Baked Pasta
Try this Chicken Parmesan Baked Pasta recipe
Try this Chicken Parmesan Baked Pasta recipe
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 6 garlic cloves minced
- 1 (28 oz) can whole peeled tomatoes
- 1 – 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 12 oz pasta (i used shells)
- 2 oz (about 1 cup) grated parmesan cheese divided
- 4 oz (about 1 cup) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts cooked and cut into bite-sized pieces
- Carbohydrate 6.69629249973388 g
- Cholesterol 263.0835746 mg
- Fat 9.27626038940431 g
- Fiber 0.762299987706104 g
- Protein 106.037630732946 g
- Saturated Fat 2.01601857118908 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Recipe (1462g)
- Sodium 619.601440515984 mg
- Sugar 5.93399251202777 g
- Trans Fat 1.64626232103205 g
- Calories 560 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat the oven to 475 F.
- Add the tomatoes to the bowl of your food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped, about 10 pulses.
- Set an oven-safe 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the oil, garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, and salt and cook just until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the chopped tomatoes, the water, 1 cup of the chicken broth, and the pasta to the pan, stirring to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a vigorous simmer, then cover the pan and continue simmering (you may need to reduce the heat slightly) until the pasta is tender, about 16-18 minutes.
- Stir the pasta frequently as it cooks.
- Once tender, remove the cover and stir in 3/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese, the pepper, and the chicken.
- Season to taste with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
- If the mixture seems dry, mix in as much of the remaining 1/2 cup of chicken broth as needed to loosen it up (I didn’t add any of it).
- Note: if you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the mixture to a baking dish at this point.
- Sprinkle the top evenly with the mozzarella cheese and the remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and bubbles around the edges.
- Garnish with the basil then serve.
My Unexpected Culinary Adventure: Chicken Parmesan Baked Pasta
Life as a busy working mom is a whirlwind of early mornings, packed lunches, after-school activities, and the ever-present hum of the washing machine. Finding time for myself, let alone crafting elaborate meals from scratch, often feels like a distant dream. Yet, there's a deep satisfaction I find in creating nourishing and delicious food for my family – a small act of love in the midst of the chaos. This Chicken Parmesan Baked Pasta recipe is a testament to that, a dish that's both impressive and surprisingly simple to execute, even on the busiest of weeknights.
The aroma alone is enough to transport you. A symphony of rich tomato, fragrant garlic, and the comforting warmth of melted cheese. It's the kind of meal that brings everyone together, a comforting hug in a bowl. But what truly elevates this recipe beyond the ordinary is its versatility. Feeling adventurous? Swap out the shells for another pasta shape. Don't have fresh basil? Dried works just as well. Need to stretch the meal further? Add some extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability, allowing you to customize it to your taste and what you have on hand. It’s become a staple in our home, a comforting reminder that even amidst the whirlwind of motherhood, there's always time for a little culinary joy.
I remember the first time I made this dish. It was a Tuesday, and I had just finished a particularly grueling day at the office. The kids were bickering, the house was a mess, and I felt completely depleted. But as the aroma of the baking pasta filled the kitchen, a sense of calm washed over me. The simple act of creating something delicious, something nourishing for my family, grounded me. It was a reminder that even in the midst of chaos, there’s always time to nurture and create, both in the kitchen and in life. This recipe isn’t just a meal; it's a symbol of resilience, adaptability, and the simple joys of family life.
And that's the essence of what I strive for in the kitchen: simple, delicious meals that nourish my family and bring us together. This Chicken Parmesan Baked Pasta is a perfect example of that. It’s a dish that's both satisfying and comforting, and it's become a regular fixture on our dinner table. It’s the type of recipe that reminds me that even amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, there's always time for a little culinary love. And that, my friends, is a truly priceless ingredient.
So, go ahead, give this recipe a try. Embrace the simplicity, allow yourself the joy of creating something delicious, and most importantly, savor the moments of connection around the table. Because at the end of the day, it's the people we share our meals with that truly matter.
