Savory Cheesy Caprese Chicken Casserole Recipe For Dinner Joy

Comfort meets elegance in this mouthwatering cheesy caprese chicken casserole that blends Italian traditions with weeknight convenience.

Tender chicken nestles between layers of fresh mozzarella and ripe tomatoes, creating a symphony of flavors.

Basil adds a vibrant green note to the rich, melted cheese backdrop.

Each forkful promises a delightful balance of creamy and bright ingredients.

The casserole delivers a simple yet sophisticated meal that comes together with minimal effort.

Warm, bubbling, and irresistibly golden, this dish transforms ordinary dinner into a memorable culinary experience.

Prepare to savor every delectable bite of this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Cooking Steps for Caprese Chicken Casserole

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F and give your baking dish a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

• Wake Up the Garlic

Splash some olive oil in a skillet and let those garlic bits dance around until they’re wonderfully fragrant.

• Create Your Flavor Explosion

Grab a big mixing bowl and toss in your chicken, pasta, juicy tomatoes, half the mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh basil. Pour in marinara sauce and sprinkle in your sauteed garlic. Season with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until it’s perfectly combined.

• Build Your Culinary Masterpiece

Slide the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish. Scatter the remaining mozzarella across the top like a cheesy blanket.

• Bake to Bubbly Perfection

Send your casserole into the oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese transforms into a melted, golden wonderland.

• Finish with Flair

Just before serving, drizzle a tangy balsamic glaze over the top. If you’re feeling extra fancy, sprinkle some fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.

Flavor Tweaks for Your Caprese-Style Dish

• Fresh Ingredient Swap: Replace cherry tomatoes with sun-dried tomatoes for a deeper, more concentrated flavor profile that adds rich Mediterranean flair.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, storing covered in the refrigerator and baking when ready to serve, perfect for busy weeknight meals.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles to make this recipe completely celiac-friendly without compromising taste.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Skip pasta entirely and use cauliflower rice or roasted vegetable chunks as a base to create a keto-friendly version of this delicious casserole.
• Protein Power-Up: Experiment with different proteins like grilled shrimp, turkey, or plant-based chicken alternatives to keep the recipe exciting and adaptable for various dietary preferences.

How to Serve Caprese Chicken Casserole

• Fresh Basil Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil leaves on top for a vibrant, aromatic finish that adds bright green color and heightens the Italian flavor profile.
• Salad Companion: Pair with a crisp mixed green salad dressed in light vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy casserole and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Wine Pairing Suggestion: Serve alongside a chilled glass of pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc, which complement the tomato and cheese elements perfectly and enhance the meal's overall taste experience.
• Bread Side Option: Include warm garlic bread or crusty Italian bread to soak up the delicious marinara sauce and provide an extra textural element to the meal.

Storing and Reheating This Tomato-Basil Favorite

• Smart Fridge Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerated Caprese Chicken Casserole stays fresh for 3-4 days, maintaining delicious flavors and texture.
• Quick Freezer Strategy: Portion casserole into individual servings before freezing. Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Frozen meals remain tasty for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Microwave Reheating Trick: Add a splash of extra marinara sauce to prevent dryness. Cover dish with microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each cycle. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare casserole ingredients ahead of time. Chop vegetables, cook chicken, and measure seasonings in advance. Store prepped components separately in refrigerator. Assemble and bake when ready to enjoy a quick, delicious dinner that saves time during busy weeknights.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 480 kcal

Servings: 6

Caprese Chicken Casserole Ingredient List

• Chicken: Lean protein base that adds hearty substance and rich flavor to the casserole, best when using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken for convenience and tender texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides sharp, salty depth and helps bind ingredients together, choose freshly grated for more intense flavor.

• Cherry Tomatoes: Brings bright, sweet burst of freshness and vibrant color, select ripe, firm tomatoes for best taste.
• Basil: Adds aromatic, peppery-sweet Mediterranean essence, use fresh leaves for maximum flavor and fragrant profile.
• Garlic: Creates foundational savory undertone, select firm, plump cloves without sprouts for most robust flavor.

• Olive Oil: Provides smooth cooking base and subtle richness, opt for extra virgin for superior taste.
• Marinara Sauce: Delivers tangy, herbal undertones and helps moisten the casserole, choose high-quality jarred sauce or homemade for best results.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Offers creamy, melty texture and mild dairy richness, select fresh variety for optimal stretchy consistency.
• Balsamic Glaze: Introduces sweet-tangy finishing touch, drizzle sparingly for balanced flavor profile.
• Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Enhance overall taste complexity, adjust according to personal preference.
• Pasta: Creates substantial base for casserole, use pre-cooked pasta to maintain perfect texture.

Tools for Putting Together a Great Caprese Bake

• Large Skillet: Essential for sautéing garlic and blending flavors quickly and evenly.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining chicken, pasta, tomatoes, and cheese with easy mixing.
• 9×13-inch Casserole Dish: Ideal size for assembling and baking the entire recipe.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for chopping basil and preparing ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Cheese Grater: Helpful if using block mozzarella or Parmesan cheese.

Cheesy Caprese Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering caprese chicken casserole brings Italian flavors into a comforting one-pan dinner. Fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil create a classic Mediterranean taste sensation that draws you into culinary bliss.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups (710 ml) chicken, shredded or diced
• 2 cups (470 ml) pasta, cooked
• 2 cups (470 ml) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 ½ cups (355 ml) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup (240 ml) marinara sauce
• ½ cup (120 ml) Parmesan cheese, grated
• ½ cup (120 ml) basil leaves, fresh, chopped
• ¼ cup (60 ml) balsamic glaze
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prep Station: Preheat oven to 375F (190C) and lightly oil a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent adherence.
2. Aromatic Launch: Sauté garlic in olive oil over medium heat for one minute, releasing its intense fragrance.
3. Flavor Fusion: In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, Parmesan, basil leaves, marinara sauce, and sautéed garlic. Season with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Gently mix until ingredients are thoroughly integrated.
4. Cheese Coronation: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, distributing evenly. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella across the top, creating a luxurious cheese layer.
5. Culinary Transformation: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts into a golden, effervescent crust and edges become slightly crisp.
6. Finishing Flourish: Remove from oven and embellish with elegant balsamic glaze drizzles. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a vibrant, aromatic finale before serving.

Notes

• Optimize Chicken Texture: Shred chicken finely and evenly to ensure consistent flavor distribution and prevent dry, chunky bites throughout the casserole.
• Balance Moisture Levels: Use marinara sauce sparingly to maintain a creamy consistency without making the dish too watery or soggy.
• Enhance Cheese Melting: Grate fresh mozzarella instead of pre-shredded cheese for smoother, more even melting and superior flavor intensity.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free alternatives or zucchini noodles for low-carb versions, keeping the core recipe’s delicious essence intact.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg