Marinara Chicken Penne Bake

• 1 pound penne pasta
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Steps

1. 1 Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. 2 Cook penne according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
3. 3 In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until browned.
4. 4 Add garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute. Stir in marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper; simmer for 5 minutes.
5. 5 In a large bowl, combine cooked penne, chicken mixture, ricotta, and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
6. 6 Transfer mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
7. 7 Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
8. 8 Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
9. 9 Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Equipment

• 9x13 inch baking dish
• skillet
• baking sheet

Variations

• Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.
• Substitute chicken with ground turkey for a leaner option.

Substitutions

• Use cottage cheese instead of ricotta for a tangier flavor.
• If ricotta is unavailable, substitute with an extra 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese.

Pairings

• Garlic bread
• Caesar salad
• Steamed broccoli

Nutrition

Tips

• For a richer flavor, add a splash of heavy cream to the marinara sauce.
• This bake tastes even better the next day!

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Freezing: Freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake covered at 350°F for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake another 10 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad.
• Pair with a glass of red wine for a cozy dinner.

FAQ