The purpose of this blog is to demonstrate how a base recipe, in this case Chicken and Rotini, can create a new recipe with a few ingredient changes. First, we create a recipe, then we taste the recipe, then we change up the ingredients to develop a new recipe from the original recipe. This is the innovative part of the process. That is why our approach to cooking is: create, taste, innovate.
I hope you enjoy these chicken and rotini recipes. Let us know what you think. Start a discussion below or leave a comment.
Welcome to our Chicken and Rotini Recipe Series Page
Easy Baked Rotini with Chicken
Baked rotini with chicken, marinara sauce, Romano cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Comfort food for the entire family.
In this version we are using boneless chicken strips, mozzarella cheese, and marinara sauce to create a wonderful and tasty dish. This series of recipes will feature different chicken cooked with rotini pasta. What will change the most in these recipes are the cuts of chicken and the complimentary ingredients. For instance, in the second version of this recipe, the baked chicken breasts is left whole and served over a bed of rotini pasta.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. uncooked Rotini
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 16 oz. marinara sauce
- ½ cup Romano cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- 2 tbsp. of extra virgin olive oil
- ½ tsp. salt for chicken
- ¼ tsp. black pepper for chicken
- ½ tsp. of garlic powder for chicken
- ½ tsp. of onion powder for chicken
Instructions
- Before beginning the recipe remember to read the “Invent Your Recipe” section below for additional suggestions, recipe combinations, or ingredient alternatives.
- Pre-heat the oven to 400 degrees
Preparing the Chicken:
- Place the 4 chicken breasts into a bowl and add the following ingredients: ½ tsp. salt, ¼ tsp. black pepper, ½ tsp. garlic powder, ½ tsp. onion powder, and 2 tbsp. of extra virgin olive oil.4 boneless chicken breasts, ½ tsp. salt for chicken, ¼ tsp. black pepper for chicken, ½ tsp. of garlic powder for chicken, ½ tsp. of onion powder for chicken, 2 tbsp. of extra virgin olive oil
- Mix well ensuring the chicken is completely covered with the seasoning. Place the chicken onto a baking sheet and cook in the oven for 20 minutes at 400 degrees.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Next, slice the chicken into strips which will be added to the pasta.
Preparing the Pasta:
- While the chicken is baking, prepare the pasta according to the package instructions1 lb. uncooked Rotini
Bringing it all Together:
- Add the baked chicken and marinara sauce to the pasta and mix well. In a large baking dish or aluminum tray pour in the pasta mixture.16 oz. marinara sauce
- Sprinkle with the grated cheese and mozzarella cheese. Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes, or until the cheese melts and begins to brown.½ cup Romano cheese, 2 cups shredded mozzarella
To Serve:
- Place the baked rotini with chicken in a large serving bowl and sprinkle more Romano cheese if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Baked Chicken and Rotini: A 40 Minute Recipe
Chicken breast baked to perfections and served over a bed of rotini pasta and marinara sauce.
In this version, Baked Chicken and Rotini, we are baking the whole chicken breasts, then serving the chicken on a bed of rotini pasta. This recipe is a subtle change, as the first version of this recipe calls for chicken slices and mozzarella cheese. However, a small change like this really does make a completely different dish and eating experience.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. uncooked Rotini
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 16 oz. marinara sauce
- ½ cup Romano cheese
- 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- ½ tsp. salt for chicken
- ¼ tsp. black pepper
- ½ tsp. garlic powder
- ½ tsp. onion powder
Instructions
- Pre heat the oven to 400 degrees
Preparing the Chicken:
- Place the 4 chicken breasts into a bowl and add the following ingredients: ½ tsp. salt, ¼ tsp. black pepper, ½ tsp. garlic powder, ½ tsp. onion powder, and 2 tbsp. of extra virgin olive oil.4 boneless chicken breasts, ½ tsp. salt for chicken, ¼ tsp. black pepper, ½ tsp. garlic powder, ½ tsp. onion powder, 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- Mix well ensuring the chicken is completely covered with the seasoning. Place the chicken onto a baking sheet and cook in the oven for 30 minutes at 400 degrees.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
Preparing the Pasta:
- While the chicken is baking, prepare the pasta according to package instructions. Strain pasta and place in a large bowl.1 lb. uncooked Rotini
To Serve:
- Place the pasta in the middle of a serving dish and spoon over your desired amount of marinara sauce.16 oz. marinara sauce, ½ cup Romano cheese
- Place a piece of chicken on top of the pasta and add sauce and cheese.16 oz. marinara sauce, ½ cup Romano cheese
Notes
Nutrition
Chicken and Rotini with Eggplant: A 60 Minute Recipe
Chicken and Rotini with Eggplant. Boneless chicken breasts and eggplant baked in the oven with marinara sauce and basil then served over a bed of whole wheat rotini pasta.
In this version, Chicken and Rotini with Eggplant, we are using eggplant and whole wheat pasta to change up this dish. With these ingredient changes this recipe offers a whole new eating experience.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless chicken breasts about 1 lb.
- ½ lb. whole wheat pasta
- 1 medium eggplant cut in half lengthwise
- 24 oz. marinara sauce
- Grated Parmesan Cheese to taste
- Fresh basil to taste
Instructions
- Before beginning the recipe remember to read the “Invent Your Recipe” section below for additional suggestions, recipe combinations, or ingredient alternatives.
- Pre-heat the oven to 400 degrees.
Preparing the Chicken and Eggplant
- In a 9×9 baking dish spoon 4 oz. of marinara sauce onto the bottom and spread evenly. Place the chicken breasts and eggplant halves on top of the sauce.
- Next, spoon another 4 oz. of marinara sauce evenly over the chicken and eggplant. Place some fresh basil pieces (to taste) on top of the chicken and eggplant.
- Place into the oven and bake for 40 minutes at 400 degrees.
Preparing the Pasta:
- While the chicken is baking, in a large pot, prepare the rotini pasta according to the package instructions for al dente pasta.
- Drain the water from the pasta and place the pasta back into a large pot.
Bringing it All Together:
- When the chicken has finished baking, add 16 oz. of marinara sauce to the pasta and bring to a medium heat.
- Cook the pasta until it reaches your desired heat, about 2-3 minutes, mixing occasionally. Finally, combine the chicken, eggplant, and pasta onto a plate to serve.
To Serve:
- Place the rotini on one half of the plate and add some sliced chicken pieces.
- On the other half of the plate place an eggplant half. Add any additional marinara sauce, grated cheese, and basil to taste.
Notes
Nutrition
As we come to the end of these 4 Chicken and Rotini recipes I want to emphasize the simplicity and amazing flavor of this base recipe series. Pasta, chicken, creamy cheese, and tangy marinara sauce, what is not to love?
This series of Chicken and Rotini is versatile, easily adaptable, full of flavor, and offer a comforting eating experience. I hope you add this base recipe to your starting lineup of go-to recipes. Happy cooking and remember to invent your version of this base recipe.
For even more ideas check out our pinterest page…
