Mediterranean Chicken Olive Pasta Bake
Indulge in a delightful fusion of flavors with our Mediterranean Chicken Olive Pasta Bake. This hearty dish combines tender rotini pasta with succulent shredded chicken and briny black olives, all brought together in a savory sauce of Italian-style diced tomatoes. With the added crunch of bell pepper and the aromatic essence of onion, this casserole is not only delicious but also a convenient one-dish meal ideal for family gatherings or weeknight dinners. Topped with gooey, melted mozzarella cheese, each bite delivers a creamy texture and rich flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Perfect for those who appreciate the simple pleasures of a home-cooked meal, this recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite in your culinary repertoire.
N/A
Servings
500
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Rotini pasta
1.5 (cups, uncooked)
Olive oil
1 (tablespoon)
Onion
1 (medium, chopped)
Bell pepper
0.5 (chopped)
Shredded cooked chicken
2 (cups)
Italian-style diced tomatoes
1 (14-ounce can)
Black olives
1 (4-ounce can, sliced)
Italian seasoning
1 (teaspoon)
Mozzarella cheese
2 (cups, grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously spray a large casserole pan with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2
In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3
In a deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
4
Stir in the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, diced tomatoes (including juices), sliced black olives, and Italian seasoning. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
5
Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Spread it out evenly and ensure all ingredients are nicely distributed.
6
Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta mixture, covering it completely for that irresistibly cheesy finish.
7
Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 35 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
8
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Mediterranean Chicken Olive Pasta Bake!
Nutrition Information
22.5g
Fat
37.5g
Carbs
37.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mediterranean Chicken Olive Pasta Bake?
It is a hearty casserole dish featuring rotini pasta, shredded chicken, black olives, and Italian-style diced tomatoes topped with melted mozzarella cheese.
What oven temperature is required for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the pasta bake need to be in the oven?
It should bake for approximately 35 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
What type of pasta is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1.5 cups of uncooked rotini pasta.
Should the pasta be cooked before baking?
Yes, the rotini should be boiled until al dente and drained before being mixed with other ingredients.
What kind of chicken should I use?
You should use 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken is a convenient and delicious option for this dish.
What vegetables are included in the base?
The recipe includes one medium chopped onion and half of a chopped bell pepper.
How should the vegetables be prepared?
The onion and bell pepper should be sautéed in olive oil for about 5 minutes until tender and fragrant.
What type of tomatoes are used in the sauce?
One 14-ounce can of Italian-style diced tomatoes, including the juices, is used.
What kind of olives does the recipe call for?
One 4-ounce can of sliced black olives is used.
What seasoning provides the Mediterranean flavor?
One teaspoon of Italian seasoning is stirred into the mixture.
How much cheese is needed for the topping?
The recipe requires 2 cups of grated mozzarella cheese.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 500 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 37.5 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content of this dish?
The dish contains 22.5 grams of fat per serving.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 37.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is considered a convenient one-dish casserole perfect for family dinners.
How should the casserole dish be prepared?
You should generously spray a large casserole pan with non-stick cooking spray.
Can I substitute the mozzarella cheese?
While mozzarella is recommended for its melting quality, you could use Parmesan or Provolone as alternatives.
Is the bell pepper sautéed before baking?
Yes, it is sautéed with the onions in olive oil over medium heat before mixing.
Can I use green olives instead of black?
Yes, though black olives provide the traditional briny flavor profile intended for this Mediterranean dish.
Should I drain the diced tomatoes?
No, you should include the juices from the can to help create the sauce.
What is the total number of ingredients?
This recipe requires 9 main ingredients.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include chicken, pasta, casserole, olive, one dish meal, comfort food, and italian.
How do I know when the bake is finished?
The bake is ready when the mozzarella cheese on top is bubbly and has turned a golden brown color.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, as a casserole, it stores well and can be easily reheated for future meals.
What is the primary cooking oil used?
One tablespoon of olive oil is used for sautéing the vegetables.
Should I let the dish rest after baking?
Yes, it is recommended to let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, the combination of pasta, chicken, and melted cheese makes it a classic comfort food dish.