Greek Chicken Pasta Bake

To achieve optimal sweetness and flavor, it is essential to properly sauté your onions and garlic. Begin by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add finely chopped onions. Sauté them slowly, stirring occasionally, until they become translucent and fragrant, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. The key is to allow the onions to caramelize slightly, which will enhance their natural sweetness.

Explore the delightful world of Mediterranean cooking with this irresistible Greek Chicken Pasta Bake. This wholesome dish combines tender chicken, al dente penne pasta, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and fresh spinach, all enveloped in a rich marinara sauce and topped with gooey mozzarella cheese. Easy to prepare and packed with vibrant flavors, it's perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Dive into a recipe that not only pleases the palate but also offers health benefits from its nutritious ingredients. Enjoy a culinary journey that embodies the essence of Mediterranean cuisine!

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Ingredients

2 cups penne pasta

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 large onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

1 cup baby spinach

1 ½ cups feta cheese, crumbled

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

Salt and pepper to taste

2 cups marinara sauce

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Sauté until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Then add the cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes until they start to soften.

Combine the ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, and stir in the olives, baby spinach, oregano, and basil. Cook until the spinach wilts, about 2 minutes.

Mix in sauce and pasta: Add the marinara sauce and cooked penne to the skillet. Gently combine everything to ensure the pasta is well coated with sauce. Stir in the crumbled feta cheese.

Transfer to a baking dish: Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly.

Top with mozzarella: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 45 min | 6 servings