Ingredients
For the Pasta Bake:
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300g (10.5 oz) penne pasta
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 chicken breasts, diced
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1 onion, finely chopped
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 red bell pepper, chopped
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1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
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400g (14 oz) canned chopped tomatoes
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2 tablespoons tomato paste
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1 teaspoon dried basil
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Salt and pepper to taste
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100g (3.5 oz) grated mozzarella cheese
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50g (1.75 oz) grated cheddar cheese
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until translucent. Add the minced garlic, red and yellow bell peppers, and cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
3. Make the Tomato Sauce
Add the canned chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4. Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cooked chicken, and tomato sauce. Mix until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the sauce.
5. Assemble the Bake
Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the grated mozzarella and cheddar cheeses evenly over the top.
6. Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a golden-brown crust.
7. Garnish and Serve
Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.