Description
Delightful caprese chicken casserole brings Italian flavors to a comforting main dish. Juicy chicken, fresh mozzarella, and basil create a Mediterranean-inspired meal you’ll savor with each satisfying bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups (710 ml) chicken, shredded or diced
- 2 cups (480 ml) pasta (penne or bowtie)
- 2 cups (480 ml) mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup (120 ml) parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup (240 ml) marinara sauce
- ½ cup (120 ml) basil leaves, fresh, chopped
- ¼ cup (60 ml) balsamic glaze
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
- 1 tsp (5 ml) italian seasoning, dried
- ½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt
- ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) black pepper
Instructions
- Preparation: Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray, creating a seamless cooking surface.
- Flavor Foundation: Sauté minced garlic in olive oil over medium heat until fragrant, releasing its aromatic essence for approximately 60 seconds.
- Mixture Assembly: In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken, pasta, cherry tomatoes, half the mozzarella, Parmesan, basil, and marinara sauce, blending ingredients to create a harmonious base.
- Seasoning Technique: Integrate Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, meticulously stirring to ensure uniform flavor distribution throughout the mixture.
- Baking Composition: Transfer the seasoned blend into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the surface to create an even layer and topping with remaining mozzarella for complete cheese coverage.
- Oven Transformation: Bake uncovered in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 20-25 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt into a golden, bubbling masterpiece that tantalizes the senses.
- Finishing Flourish: Remove from oven and elegantly drizzle balsamic glaze across the surface, then garnish with fresh basil leaves to add a vibrant, herbaceous final touch before serving piping hot.
Notes
- Optimize Chicken Tenderness: Pat chicken dry before sautéing to ensure perfect browning and prevent excess moisture that could make the casserole watery.
- Cheese Melting Technique: Use freshly shredded mozzarella instead of pre-shredded for superior melting and richer flavor, avoiding anti-caking agents.
- Maximize Herb Freshness: Add fresh basil after baking to preserve its vibrant color and intense aromatic qualities, preventing wilting during cooking.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free alternatives like zucchini noodles or cauliflower pasta for a low-carb, celiac-friendly version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg