Creamy Marinara Chicken Pasta Casserole Recipe: A Secret Ingredient Adds Maximum Flavor by Elisa Schmitz

This time of year, there's nothing much better for dinner than a comfort food casserole. Pasta casseroles that combine protein, vegetables and carbs in one dish take the hassle out of meal prep and create a complete dinner that everyone loves.

Inspired by this cheesy chicken and peppers pasta casserole recipe, this creamy chicken marinara pasta casserole recipe will warm you from the inside out. Plus, it has a creamy-delicious secret ingredient that adds maximum flavor: Boursin cheese!

What is Boursin cheese, and why is it so special? Boursin is a delicious garlic and herb cheese spread that's a blend of garlic, parsley and chives folded into Gournay cheese. According to the Boursin website, Boursin cheese was created by François Boursin, a young French cheesemaker. For two years, he worked on his recipe inspired by fromage frais, a traditional French cheese dish that blends garlic, fresh cream, soft cheese, herbs, salt and pepper. In 1963, François introduced his now-famous cheese to the world. If you have not tried Boursin yet, let me highly recommend it!

Here's your simple shopping list for this Italian-inspired pasta casserole recipe: short pasta (I used penne), olive oil, onion, garlic, green bell pepper, ground chicken, marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, oregano, ricotta cheese, Boursin cheese and Parmesan cheese. Everything is mixed together, placed in a casserole dish then baked until golden.

Serve this extra-flavorful creamy casserole on its own, with a salad or your favorite vegetable side dish. This is one easy dinner recipe you'll want to make again and again!

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Cuisine: American / Italian
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 10

Ingredients

• 16 ounces small pasta, such as penne or rotini
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 3/4 cup diced yellow onion
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 pound ground chicken (or turkey)
• 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce (I used Rao's brand)
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup low-fat ricotta cheese
• 1 package (5.2 ounces) Boursin garlic and herb cheese
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
• fresh basil, parsley or other herb for garnish (optional)

Helpful Products

• Soup Pot
• Cutting Board
• Chef Knife
• Measuring Cups
• Measuring Spoons
• Salt and Pepper
• Baking Dishes
• Grater
• Nonstick Cooking Spray
• Airtight Containers
• 13x9-inch Baking Pan
• Pasta Pot
• Pasta Bowls
• Pepper Grinder
• Box Grater
• Colander

Recipe Notes

• I used gluten-free penne pasta, but you can use any smaller type of pasta (regular or gluten-free).

• Feel free to add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you'd like some heat.

• I used green bell pepper but you can use any color of bell peppers in this recipe.

• I used ground chicken, but you could use ground turkey or even ground beef, if desired.

• Boursin makes several flavors/varieties of cheese, but I used the original garlic and herb spread in this recipe.

• Garnish with fresh basil, parsley or other herb, if desired.

• Make ahead if you are meal planning and refrigerate for up to four days.

• Store leftovers in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave.

Here's how to make it:

1. In a large pasta pot, cook the pasta to al dente. When pasta is finished cooking, drain the water and set pasta aside.
2. While pasta is cooking, add the oil, onion, garlic and peppers to another large cooking pot. Over medium heat, stir to combine.
   
3. Add the ground chicken and stir to combine. Sauté over medium heat until chicken is cooked through and onions are soft.
   
4. Add the marinara sauce, tomatoes and oregano and stir to combine.
   
5. Add the ricotta cheese and Boursin cheese. Stir until cheeses are melted and combined into the sauce.
   
   
6. Add the pasta and mix until incorporated.
   
7. Pour the pasta and chicken mixture into a 13x9-inch casserole dish that's been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.
   
8. Top with the Parmesan cheese.
   
9. Place baking dish in a preheated 375-degree F oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until it's hot and bubbly.
   
10. Remove from oven and allow to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley or other herb, if desired.
    

Nutrition Facts Per Serving

Calories: 575

Total Fat: 12.2g

Saturated Fat: 2.1g

Cholesterol: 16mg

Sodium: 333mg

Total Carbohydrate: 93.9g

Dietary Fiber: 15.2g

Total Sugars: 19.4g

Protein: 27g

Vitamin D: 0mcg

Calcium: 342mg

Iron: 13mg

Potassium: 636mg

Recipe cooking times, nutritional information and servings are approximate and provided for your convenience. However, 30Seconds is not responsible for the outcome of any recipe, nor may you have the same results because of variations in ingredients, temperatures, altitude, errors, omissions or cooking/baking abilities. This recipe has been analyzed by VeryWellFit. However, any nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and it is up to the individual to ascertain accuracy. To ensure image quality, we may occasionally use stock photography.

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