Here’s a delicious recipe for a Rustic Bruschetta Chicken Casserole. This dish combines the classic flavors of bruschetta with tender chicken and a cheesy, comforting casserole.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
For the Bruschetta Topping:
- 4 large tomatoes, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Casserole:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini work well)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for topping)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, dried basil, and dried oregano.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides (about 4-5 minutes per side). They don’t need to be fully cooked through at this stage since they’ll finish cooking in the oven.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Bruschetta Topping:
- In a medium bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped fresh basil, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Stir well to combine and let sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- In a large casserole dish, spread the cooked pasta evenly on the bottom.
- Place the seared chicken breasts on top of the pasta.
- Spoon the bruschetta topping over the chicken, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- If using, mix the breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sprinkle over the cheese for a crispy topping.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
- Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with additional fresh basil if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy your Rustic Bruschetta Chicken Casserole!
Tips:
- For an extra burst of flavor, drizzle a bit more balsamic vinegar over the casserole just before serving.
- This casserole pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread.
Enjoy this comforting and flavorful dish with family and friends!