Chicken Primavera Casserole: A Fresh and Flavorful Delight
Elevate your dinner table with the vibrant flavors of Chicken Primavera Casserole! Bursting with colorful vegetables, tender chicken, and creamy sauce, this casserole is a delicious twist on the classic Italian dish. Perfect for a family dinner or a potluck gathering, it's a wholesome and satisfying meal that everyone will love. Let's dive into the recipe and bring the flavors of spring to your table with this delightful dish!
Ingredients:
- - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- - Salt and pepper, to taste
- - 2 tablespoons olive oil
- - 1 onion, diced
- - 2 cloves garlic, minced
- - 1 bell pepper, sliced
- - 1 zucchini, sliced
- - 1 yellow squash, sliced
- - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- - 1 cup broccoli florets
- - 1 cup carrots, sliced
- - 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- - 1 cup chicken broth
- - 1 cup heavy cream
- - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- - 8 ounces penne pasta, cooked according to package instructions
- - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- - Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Cook the Chicken:
- Season the diced chicken breasts with salt and pepper, to taste.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Prepare the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Add the sliced bell pepper, zucchini, yellow squash, cherry tomatoes, broccoli florets, carrots, and mushrooms to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Make the Sauce:
- Pour the chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet with the cooked vegetables. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and dried Italian herbs. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
5. Assemble the Casserole:
- In the prepared baking dish, layer the cooked penne pasta, sautéed vegetables, and cooked chicken. Pour the sauce over the top, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
6. Add the Cheese:
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole, covering it evenly.
7. Bake the Casserole:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve:
- Remove the foil from the baking dish and let the Chicken Primavera Casserole cool slightly before serving.
- Garnish with chopped fresh basil and serve hot.
Get ready to savor the flavors of spring with this delicious Chicken Primavera Casserole. It's a wholesome and satisfying meal that's perfect for sharing with family and friends!