Ultimate Cheesy Chicken and Roasted Tomato Mozzarella Pasta Bake: A Family Favorite
Indulge in the extraordinary comfort of our **Cheesy Chicken and Roasted Tomato Mozzarella Pasta Bake**. This delightful dish is a symphony of flavors and textures, brimming with aromatic herbs, succulent roasted cherry tomatoes, and perfectly seared, tender chicken pieces. It’s the ultimate pasta bake, designed to deliver warmth and satisfaction in every single forkful, making it a perfect meal for any day of the week.
The Magic of Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes are truly a culinary marvel, and when roasted, their flavor transforms into something truly exquisite. The high heat caramelizes their natural sugars, intensifying their sweetness and creating a depth of flavor that a raw tomato simply cannot achieve. Mixing these juicy, burst-with-flavor roasted tomatoes into the sauce elevates the entire dish, adding a unique, vibrant tang and an incredible richness. For the best results, seek out vine-ripened cherry tomatoes. Their inherent juiciness and concentrated flavor are unparalleled, promising a burst of sunshine in every bite. Once you try them roasted, you’ll understand why they’re a non-negotiable ingredient in this recipe.
This pasta bake is a personal favorite, a truly satisfying, carb-loving indulgence that I find myself craving and enjoying at least once a week, often balancing it with lighter meals like salads and grilled chicken. What makes it even better is that despite its rich and creamy texture, there’s absolutely no heavy cream involved. This makes it a surprisingly point and calorie-friendly option for those watching their intake, proving that comfort food doesn’t always have to come with a side of guilt.
A dish this good simply demands to be shared! This recipe has quickly become a staple in my kitchen, and I’m thrilled to share it with you so you can experience its incredible flavors and ease of preparation.
The Undeniable Appeal of Cheese and Pasta
It’s no secret that I have an immense love for cheese – it’s probably evident in every dish I create! And my passion for pasta runs just as deep. I often attribute it to the Italian influence in my Latin American heritage; some flavors are simply ingrained. Cheese and pasta are, without a doubt, a match made in culinary heaven. They just belong together, creating a comforting, satisfying pair that few can resist. In this particular bake, we’re taking that classic combination to new heights with generous layers of cheese both within the pasta and melted golden on top.
With an abundance of gooey, melted mozzarella and a sprinkle of savory Parmesan blanketing every inch of this pasta bake, your family is sure to be showering you with compliments. This dish is designed to please even the pickiest eaters, offering a blend of familiar flavors in an exciting, comforting package. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, eager for a second helping.
Beyond the cheese and pasta, what truly sets this dish apart are those perfectly seared, tender chicken pieces. Each morsel is infused with the rich, super-saucy tomato base, ensuring a burst of flavor in every bite. The searing process locks in the chicken’s juices, giving it a beautiful golden exterior while keeping the inside wonderfully moist. Diced chicken thighs or breast work equally well, absorbing the fragrant herbs and sweet roasted tomato notes, making for an incredibly flavorful protein addition.
Tips for a Perfect Pasta Bake Every Time
Achieving a perfectly cheesy and flavorful pasta bake isn’t difficult, but a few key steps can make all the difference. Firstly, don’t overcook your pasta during the initial boil; aim for al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. This prevents mushy pasta and ensures a pleasant texture. Secondly, allowing the sauce to simmer gently helps all the flavors meld together beautifully and ensures a thicker, more luscious coating for your pasta and chicken. Finally, choose an oven-proof pan that’s large enough to comfortably hold all your ingredients, minimizing mess and maximizing even cooking.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
While this Cheesy Chicken and Roasted Tomato Mozzarella Pasta Bake is a meal in itself, it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta. And as noted, a side of cheesy garlic bread is an absolute must – perfect for soaking up any extra sauce or simply enjoying alongside! For those who love to experiment, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle kick, or stir in some fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking for added greens. You could also try different types of melting cheese, such as fontina or provolone, for a slightly varied flavor profile. This recipe is incredibly adaptable, so feel free to make it your own!
More Delicious Chicken Recipes to Explore:
If you’re a fan of comforting chicken dishes, you’ll love these other recipes:
- Creamy Tomato Chicken Drumsticks
- Garlic Tomato Basil Chicken
- Mozzarella Chicken in Tomato Sauce
- Feta Bacon and Sundried Tomato Stuffed Chicken Rolls
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Cheesy Chicken and Roasted Tomato Mozzarella Pasta Bake
Ingredients
- 2 cups washed and hulled cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 lb pack of pasta – Ziti, Rigatoni or Penne (choose a shape that holds sauce well)
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 medium brown onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic crushed or minced
- 1 lb skinless and boneless chicken thighs or breast diced (thighs offer more flavor and moisture)
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
- 1 tablespoon vegetable stock powder (e.g., Vegeta, for added depth of flavor)
- 1 pinch salt to season (adjust to taste)
- 24 oz bottle of Passata or Tomato Sauce (for U.S. readers)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup skim/low fat milk or almond milk (for creaminess without heavy cream)
- 2 tablespoons cornflour/cornstarch + 1/4 cup water mixed (to thicken the sauce)
- 1 cup light mozzarella cheese grated
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to grill/broil settings on medium heat. Arrange the cherry tomatoes in a single layer on an oven tray lined with foil. Lightly spray them with olive oil spray (or drizzle with a small amount of olive oil), then bake until they become soft and cooked through, usually about 10 minutes. This roasting step enhances their natural sweetness significantly.
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While the tomatoes roast, boil the pasta according to the package instructions in generously salted water until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
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In a separate large, oven-proof pan (this will save on dishes!), heat the 2 teaspoons of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and crushed garlic until fragrant and softened. Add the diced chicken pieces and sear until golden brown on all sides. Stir in the dried herbs (oregano, basil, parsley flakes), vegetable stock powder, and a pinch of salt. Pour in the Passata (or tomato sauce) and tomato paste, mixing thoroughly with the chicken. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce begins to thicken slightly. Gently fold in the roasted cherry tomatoes.
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Next, pour in the milk and the cornflour mixture (cornflour/cornstarch whisked with water). Stir continuously until the sauce achieves a wonderfully creamy and thick consistency.
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Once the sauce is ready, add the drained al dente pasta to the pan with the chicken and sauce. Mix everything together until the pasta is well coated. Stir in half of the grated mozzarella cheese. Smooth the top of the pasta bake, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and all of the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the surface. For an extra touch, you can add any remaining roasted cherry tomatoes on top as a garnish (optional).
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Transfer the oven-proof pan to the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Optional:
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For an even deeper aroma and flavor, sprinkle with a touch more dried oregano and basil after baking.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
