Chicken and Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Bake
Chicken and Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Bake is a comforting, cheesy dish that transforms simple ingredients into an unforgettable meal. With tender chicken, vibrant roasted red peppers, and creamy cheese sauce enveloped in pasta, this bake is perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. The rich flavors meld together beautifully, making it a favorite at any table. Get ready to impress with this easy-to-follow recipe that’s sure to become a staple!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 8 oz penne or fusilli pasta
- 1 cup jarred roasted red peppers, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente; reserve some pasta water before draining.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté diced chicken until golden brown (6-7 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in roasted red peppers, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; let flavors meld for a few minutes.
- Lower heat and mix in heavy cream and half the mozzarella until melted.
- Combine cooked pasta with the chicken mixture; adjust sauce consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish, top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan, and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Feel free to substitute chicken with turkey or plant-based proteins for a different twist. Adding spinach or mushrooms can enhance flavor and nutrition. For extra richness, sprinkle feta cheese on top before baking.