Delicious Chicken Casserole with Pasta and Vegetables
Video Stats
Recipe Overview
Overview
This Chicken Casserole is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that truly embodies comfort food. The process begins with cooking butterfly pasta until al dente, which serves as the perfect base for the dish. The chicken is sautéed until golden, and the addition of garlic infuses the dish with a warm aroma that fills the kitchen with nostalgia. As the vegetables are added, including zucchini, eggplant, and tomatoes, the dish transforms into a colorful medley that is both visually appealing and nutritious.
The creamy sauce, made with tomato sauce and fresh basil, ties everything together beautifully. Topping the casserole with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese creates a golden crust that is irresistible. Baking it allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a dish that is hearty and satisfying. Each bite is a reminder of home-cooked meals shared with loved ones, making it a perfect choice for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
This recipe not only brings joy to the table but also encourages creativity in the kitchen. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables or cheeses based on what you have on hand. The beauty of casseroles lies in their versatility, allowing you to make them your own while still enjoying the comforting essence of a classic dish.
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Tip: Mix flour well to avoid lumps when adding to the saucepan.
Pour water into a large pot and salt it generously.
Put the lid on and wait for the water to boil.
Add 8 oz or 250 g of butterfly pasta and stir gently.
Cook until al dente following package instructions.
Cut one chicken filet into small cubes.
Pour olive oil into a frying pan.
Add chicken to the pan and let it sizzle over medium heat.
Grate two garlic cloves on a mini grater.
Tip: Grate garlic cloves on a mini grater for a finer texture.
Add grated garlic to the chicken and stir.
Add 1 teaspoon of salt, black pepper, and Italian herbs.
Remove the chicken from heat when done.
Cut one zucchini into rings.
Place zucchini in a bowl and sprinkle with salt.
Stir zucchini lightly with your hands.
Pour some olive oil into a frying pan.
Chop one white onion.
Tip: Let zucchini sit for 10 minutes to release excess water.
Add onion to the pan and fry over medium heat until soft.
Cut one eggplant into rings.
Add eggplant to the pan with the onion and stir well.
Cut one tomato into thin strips.
Add tomato to the pan and stir well.
Squeeze out excess water from zucchini and add it to the pan.
Tip: Mix thoroughly to blend flavors, not just combine ingredients.
Add 1 teaspoon of salt, black pepper, and Italian herbs to the vegetables.
Tip: If you have any questions about the recipe, ask in the comments.
Pour in one cup or 200 ml of tomato sauce and mix well.
Tear fresh basil leaves and add them to the pan.
Let everything stew for 7 to 10 minutes.
Take the pasta off the heat and transfer it to a bowl.
Add the roasted chicken and sauce with vegetables to the pasta.
Spread out half of the mixture in a baking dish.
Place one package of mozzarella cheese balls on top.
Add the remaining pasta, chicken, and vegetables.
Grate 9 oz or 250 g of Parmesan cheese.
Cover the casserole with grated Parmesan.
Preheat the oven to 360° F or about 180° C.
Tip: Preheat the oven to ensure even cooking.
Bake for 30 minutes.
Take the casserole out of the oven and slice into portions.
Place a piece on a plate for serving.
Ingredients
Ingredient: Dairy
→ Substitution: Almond Milk
Ingredient: Gluten
→ Substitution: Gluten-Free Pasta
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
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Interesting Tidbits
- •Baking the casserole allows the flavors to meld together, creating a comforting and hearty dish.
- •Using fresh vegetables enhances the flavor and nutrition of the casserole.
- •Parmesan cheese adds a rich, savory flavor that complements the chicken and pasta.
- •Letting the zucchini sit with salt helps to draw out excess moisture, preventing the casserole from becoming watery.
