Savory Basil Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Casserole
This decadent Savory Basil Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Casserole is a comforting one-dish meal that perfectly balances the rich flavors of creamy garlic sauce, tender chicken, and sun-dried tomatoes. Ideal for busy weeknights, this dish can be assembled a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Simply pop it into the oven for a bubbling, golden-brown delight that's sure to impress family and friends. Paired wonderfully with steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad, it makes for a satisfying dinner any time of the year.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fusilli
8 ounces (Cook according to package directions and drain.)
Boneless skinless chicken breast
1 lb (Rinse, pat dry, and season with salt and pepper.)
Sea salt
to taste (For seasoning.)
Freshly ground pepper
to taste (For seasoning.)
Extra virgin olive oil
3 teaspoons (Used for browning chicken and sautéing vegetables.)
Butter
1 tablespoon (For sautéing.)
Garlic cloves
4 cloves (Minced.)
Onion
1 small (Thinly sliced.)
Sun-dried tomatoes
1/2 cup (Chopped.)
Chicken broth or white wine
1 cup (For sauce.)
Heavy cream or half-and-half
1 cup (For sauce.)
Parmesan cheese
3/4 cup (Shredded, for mixing in and topping.)
Canola oil
2 tablespoons (Optional for additional sautéing.)
Fresh basil
6 leaves (Finely chopped.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the fusilli according to package directions. Drain and spread evenly in a greased baking dish.
2
While the pasta cooks, prepare the chicken. Rinse and pat dry the chicken breasts, then season generously on both sides with sea salt and freshly ground pepper.
3
Heat a large sauté pan over medium heat and add 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Once browned, transfer the chicken to a cutting board to rest.
4
In the same pan, melt the butter along with the remaining 2 teaspoons of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sliced onions, sautéing for about 2 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent.
5
Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 3/4 cup of chicken broth or white wine. Raise the heat and bring to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
6
While the sauce simmers, slice the chicken into 1/4-inch thick pieces and arrange them over the cooked pasta in the baking dish.
7
Incorporate the heavy cream (or half-and-half) and 1/2 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese into the simmering sauce. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens slightly. If the sauce becomes too thick, add the remaining broth or wine gradually.
8
Once the sauce is ready, stir in the finely chopped fresh basil and season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
9
Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken and pasta mixture, ensuring everything is evenly coated. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
10
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbling, and the top is golden brown.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is the Savory Basil Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Casserole.
What type of pasta is best for this casserole?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of fusilli pasta.
How do I prepare the chicken for this dish?
Rinse and pat dry the chicken breasts, season with sea salt and pepper, brown them in a pan for 2-3 minutes per side, then slice into 1/4-inch thick pieces.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the casserole need to bake?
Bake the casserole uncovered for 20-25 minutes.
Can I make this pasta casserole ahead of time?
Yes, this dish can be assembled a day in advance to allow the flavors to meld beautifully before baking.
What liquid is used for the sauce base?
You can use either 1 cup of chicken broth or white wine.
What kind of cream should I use for the sauce?
The recipe suggests using either heavy cream or half-and-half.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe calls for 4 minced garlic cloves.
What type of cheese is used in the topping and sauce?
Shredded Parmesan cheese is used both in the sauce and as a topping.
How should the onion be prepared?
One small onion should be thinly sliced.
What should I do if the sauce becomes too thick?
If the sauce is too thick, gradually add more chicken broth or white wine until you reach the desired consistency.
How many fresh basil leaves are needed?
The recipe uses 6 finely chopped fresh basil leaves.
What are the main flavor profiles of this dish?
The dish features a creamy garlic sauce, savory chicken, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil.
Do I need to cook the pasta before baking?
Yes, the fusilli should be cooked according to package directions and drained before being added to the baking dish.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 14 ingredients used in this recipe.
What are some recommended side dishes?
This casserole pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad.
What kind of oil is used for browning the chicken?
Extra virgin olive oil is used for browning the chicken.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is ready when it is hot, bubbling, and the top is golden brown.
Is butter used in the sauce preparation?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of butter is melted with olive oil to sauté the garlic and onions.
How should the sun-dried tomatoes be prepped?
The 1/2 cup of sun-dried tomatoes should be chopped before being added to the sauce.
Can I use canola oil in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe lists 2 tablespoons of canola oil as an optional ingredient for additional sautéing.
Should the casserole be covered while baking?
No, it should be baked uncovered to allow the top to become golden brown.
How long should the sauce simmer?
The sauce should simmer for about 10 minutes after adding the broth/wine and tomatoes to develop the flavor.
What type of salt is recommended?
Sea salt is recommended for seasoning the chicken and the sauce.
How thick should the chicken slices be?
The chicken should be sliced into 1/4-inch thick pieces.
What is the first step in preparing the sauce?
The first step is melting butter and olive oil to sauté minced garlic and sliced onions.
When do I add the fresh basil?
Stir the finely chopped fresh basil into the sauce once it has thickened and is ready to be poured over the pasta.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a decadent and comforting one-dish meal.
How much Parmesan cheese is needed in total?
The recipe uses a total of 3/4 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese.