Imagine a mouthwatering Italian dinner that comes together with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor - that's exactly what this One Pan Baked Italian Chicken Pasta promises! In just 45 minutes, you'll transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal that will have your family begging for seconds. This ingenious recipe combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella, all baked to perfection in a single pan. Say goodbye to complicated cooking techniques and multiple dirty dishes!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups penne pasta
- 1 pound chicken breast, cubed
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Ensure an oven-safe large skillet or baking dish is ready.
- Season the cubed chicken breast with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, ensuring even coating.
- In the oven-safe pan, arrange the cubed chicken pieces in a single layer, allowing space between each piece for even cooking.
- Add uncooked penne pasta around and between the chicken pieces, distributing evenly across the pan.
- Pour marinara sauce over the chicken and pasta, making sure to cover most of the ingredients. Use a spatula to gently mix and ensure sauce penetrates between pasta pieces.
- Cover the pan with aluminum foil and place in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes, allowing pasta to cook and chicken to become tender.
- Remove foil and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the dish.
- Return to oven uncovered and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and slightly golden, and chicken is fully cooked.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow sauce to thicken and flavors to meld.
- Serve hot, garnishing with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pan: Use a large, oven-safe skillet or baking dish to ensure even cooking and easy transfer from stovetop to oven.
- Season Generously: Don't be shy with the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Well-seasoned chicken makes a huge difference in flavor.
- Space Out the Chicken: Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer with some space between them to promote even cooking and beautiful browning.
- Use Quality Marinara: Since the sauce is a key flavor component, opt for a high-quality marinara or your favorite homemade sauce.
- Check Chicken Doneness: Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Let it Rest: The 5-minute resting period after baking allows the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld together.
- Optional Enhancements: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and extra freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 95mg
