Cheesy Chicken and Pasta Shell Casserole
This Italian-inspired chicken casserole is a hearty family meal. Pasta shells are combined with tender chicken pieces, chopped green pepper, diced tomatoes and a rich tomato sauce. The mixture is topped with a generous amount of shredded Italian cheese blend and baked until golden and bubbly. It yields six satisfying servings and comes together in about 40 minutes for a convenient weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 (8 ounce) box medium pasta shells, uncooked
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite size pieces
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (14 1/2 ounce) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Italian cheese blend, divided
Method
- Set your oven to heat to 375 degrees.
- Prepare the pasta shells as directed on the packet, but do not add any salt.
- Lightly coat an 8x8 baking dish with cooking spray and place it to one side.
- Use cooking spray to coat a large skillet, then place it over heat. Add the chicken pieces and sprinkle them with the garlic powder.
- After 2-3 minutes, introduce the chopped bell pepper to the skillet.
- Continue cooking until the pepper softens and the chicken is cooked through with no pink remaining.
- Mix in the can of tomatoes with their juices, the tomato sauce, 3/4 cup of the cheese and the cooked pasta shells.
- Spoon this combined mixture into the prepared baking dish and scatter the rest of the cheese, which is 3/4 cup, evenly over the top.
- Place in the oven to bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese has fully melted and the contents are hot and bubbling.
Nutrition (per serving)
Sodium468400 mg
Recipe details
CategoryChicken
Cuisineitalian
Authorweekend cooker
