Penne Casserole with Chicken, Mozzarella, and Red Pepper Flakes

 

This dish can be prepared for family and friend get togethers and is always a favorite. You can enjoy the fun while this dish bakes into a cheesy spicy dish.

INGREDIENTS:

1/3 pound Penne

2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 pound chicken tenders cut in 1 inch pieces

1/2 cup chopped onion

1/2 cup chopped red pepper

1/2 cup chopped orange or yellow pepper

1 Tablespoon chopped fresh basil

1 Tablespoon dried oregano

3 cloves of garlic, minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 14.5 ounce petite diced tomatoes

3 Tablespoons tomato paste

1/2 cup chicken stock

3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup grated parmesan cheese

PREPARATION:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Cook penne per package directions, drain and set aside

Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium high heat

Saute` chicken, onion, peppers until chicken is no longer pink

Add seasonings and simmer for about 3 minutes

Using a blender, pulse together petite diced tomatoes and tomato paste until combined

Add tomato mixture and chicken stock to chicken mixture and simmer for about 10 minutes

Add precooked penne to pan and stir completely

In a 2 quart baking dish, add 1/2 of mixture from skillet and cover with 1/2 of mozzarella

Layer second half of mixture over the mozzarella and then cover with remaining mozzarella

Cover and bake for about 30 minutes

Uncover and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese

Bake uncovered for another 25 minutes until Parmesan forms a yummy crust

Serves 4