Description
Caprese chicken casserole brings Italian flair to weeknight dinners with its mouthwatering blend of fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil. Layers of juicy chicken and classic ingredients create a comforting meal that will transport you straight to the heart of Italy.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Cheese and Dairy:
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Seasoning and Sauce:
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- ¼ cup balsamic glaze
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the culinary workspace by heating the oven to a toasty 375F (190C) and lightly coating a 9×13-inch baking vessel with a thin layer of oil to prevent sticking.
- Awaken the aromatic garlic by gently sizzling it in olive oil over medium heat, allowing its essence to permeate the kitchen for approximately one minute.
- Orchestrate a symphony of flavors in a spacious mixing bowl by combining tender shredded chicken, al dente pasta, vibrant cherry tomatoes, a generous portion of mozzarella, nutty Parmesan, fragrant basil leaves, rich marinara sauce, and the recently sautéed garlic. Elevate the mixture with Italian seasoning, a whisper of salt, and a crack of black pepper, stirring until ingredients dance together harmoniously.
- Cascade the flavor-packed mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating an even landscape and crown it with the remaining mozzarella cheese, ensuring a blanket of melty goodness.
- Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, allowing it to transform for 20-25 minutes until the cheese becomes a golden, bubbling masterpiece.
- Unveil the final touch by delicately drizzling balsamic glaze across the surface, creating elegant swirls. Optionally, scatter additional fresh basil leaves for a burst of herbal freshness just before serving.
Notes
- Opt for rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to save time and add extra flavor to the casserole.
- Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist that boosts fiber and nutrition without compromising taste.
- Experiment with fresh mozzarella instead of shredded for a more luxurious, creamy texture that melts beautifully.
- Create a gluten-free version by substituting regular pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta alternatives.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg