Description
This Mediterranean chicken pasta bake is a simple, flavourful, and healthy weeknight meal that the entire family will love. Packed with chicken, whole grain pasta, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, marinara sauce, and two types of cheese, this pasta bake is sure to become a staple.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 1/2 lbs (680 grams) boneless skinless chicken breasts, chopped into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 tsp sea salt, plus more for seasoning as needed
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup pitted Kalamata olives, sliced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 pound whole grain pasta, such as fusilli or rotini
- 750 mL marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Warm 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large pot over medium heat. When it shimmers, add the chicken and season with 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until cooked through. Transfer onto a plate and set aside.
- Warm the remaining tablespoon of oil in the same pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and a large pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for five minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the sun-dried tomatoes, olives, oregano, basil, and hot red pepper flakes. Return the chicken to the pot and stir to combine. Remove from the heat.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the directions on the package. Drain and add to the pot with the chicken mixture.
- Add the marinara sauce and mix to combine.
- Preheat the oven to 350 F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
- Scoop the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with the mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake for 25 minutes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: healthy chicken pasta bake recipe