Donna’s Smoky Baked Italian Chicken Casserole

May 10, 2023May 10, 20230 1
Donna's Smoky Baked Italian Chicken Casserole, a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for any weeknight dinner
in Main

Prep

30 min

Cook

35 min

Ready In

65 min

Level

Easy

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

2 lbs boneless chicken , cooked and then diced
16 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
6 ounces grated smoked cheddar cheese
6 ounces grated smoked gouda cheese
16 ounces cooked and drained penne rigate or 16 ounces rotini pasta
26 ounces classico tomato and basil spaghetti sauce
10 ounces classico sun-dried tomato pesto , in a glass container
14 1/2 ounces of hunts fire roasted diced tomatoes
8 ounces sliced mushrooms , drained
1/2 cup onion , diced and sauteed
1 teaspoon store bought roasted minced garlic
1/2 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated romano cheese or 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
12 slices of firm heirloom slicing tomatoes
1 -2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
8
Calories
682
Sugar
9g
Fat
37g
Donna's Smoky Baked Italian Chicken Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that's perfect for any weeknight dinner. Packed with protein, vegetables, and multiple types of cheese, this casserole is sure to satisfy even the hungriest of appetites. The smoky flavor comes from a combination of smoked cheeses and sun-dried tomato pesto, which gives it a unique twist on the traditional Italian baked pasta dish. This casserole can be made ahead of time and reheated for easy meals during a busy week. It's a great way to pack in essential nutrients and enjoy a delicious meal with family and friends.

Instructions

1.Preheat oven to 375°F.
2.In a large bowl, combine cooked and diced chicken, shredded mozzarella cheese, smoked cheddar cheese, smoked gouda cheese, cooked pasta, tomato and basil spaghetti sauce, sun-dried tomato pesto, fire roasted diced tomatoes, sliced mushrooms, sauteed onion, and roasted minced garlic.
3.Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
4.Transfer mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish.
5.In a small bowl, combine Italian seasoned breadcrumbs and romano or parmesan cheese, then sprinkle over the top of the casserole.
6.Place sliced tomatoes on top of breadcrumb mixture, then drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.
7.Bake in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
8.Serve and enjoy!

PROS

This dish is easy to prepare and full of flavor.
The combination of smoked cheeses and sun-dried tomato pesto give it a unique and delicious smoky flavor.
It’s also a great way to get your daily serving of protein and vegetables.

CONS

This casserole can be high in calories and fat due to the use of multiple types of cheese and breadcrumbs.
It should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Chicken is a good source of lean protein and essential nutrients such as niacin and vitamin B6, which can help support a healthy metabolism. Additionally, mushrooms are a good source of antioxidants and can help support immune function. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, which has been linked to reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer. This dish also includes garlic, which has been associated with numerous health benefits, including reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

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