Description
Ingredients
– 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni), cooked and drained
– 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
1. **Cook the Chicken:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add chicken to the skillet and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.
2. **Prepare the Sauce:** In a mixing bowl, combine marinara sauce and heavy cream. Stir until smooth.
3. **Assemble the Bake:** In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, cooked chicken, and the marinara-cream sauce. Stir to coat everything evenly. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
4. **Bake:** Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden finish, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes if desired.
5. **Garnish and Serve:** Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
**Tip:** Serve with a side of garlic bread for a true comfort meal experience.
**Chef’s Note:** For a spicier version, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25