### Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe: A Flavorful Italian Delight
Chicken spaghetti casserole is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken, rich tomato sauce, and al dente pasta in a creamy layer of cheese. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this casserole is sure to be a hit. Follow these detailed steps to create your own delicious version.
#### Ingredients:
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 pound mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
#### Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Pasta:**
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. **Sauté Chicken:**
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add sliced chicken breasts and cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side or until fully cooked. Remove from the pan and let it cool before slicing into strips. Set aside.
3. **Create the Sauce Base:**
- In the same skillet used for sautéing, add minced garlic and cook for a minute until fragrant.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes along with oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to combine.
- Allow the sauce to simmer over low heat for about 10-15 minutes.
4. **Combine Ingredients:**
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, sautéed chicken, and half of the heavy cream. Mix gently until well coated.
- Pour the remaining heavy cream into the tomato sauce mixture in the skillet and bring to a simmer if needed. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes.
5. **Assemble the Casserole:**
- Transfer the pasta and chicken mixture to an oven-safe dish.
- Spoon the tomato-cream sauce over the top, ensuring that all ingredients are well coated with the sauce.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the casserole.
6. **Bake the Casserole:**
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
7. **Serve:**
- Allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade chicken spaghetti casserole!
#### Tips:
- For extra flavor, you can add some fresh basil leaves to the tomato sauce.
- Use any type of pasta you prefer; fettuccine or rigatoni would also work well.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
By following these steps and tips, you can create a hearty and delicious chicken spaghetti casserole that is both satisfying and comforting. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe will surely become a family favorite!