Chicken & Vegetable Casserole with Mozzarella

Introduction:
This Chicken & Vegetable Casserole with Mozzarella is a wholesome and comforting meal packed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a generous layer of gooey mozzarella cheese. It’s a perfect one-pan dish that’s both satisfying and nutritious, ideal for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner. The combination of well-seasoned chicken and vegetables, baked to perfection with a cheesy topping, will have everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 medium zucchini, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 ½ cups marinara or tomato sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

Prepare the Vegetables and Chicken:

1. Preheat Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.

1. Sauté Vegetables:

• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
• Add the broccoli, zucchini, bell pepper, and carrot. Sauté for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp. Season with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Assemble the Casserole:

3. Layer the Ingredients:

• Spread the sautéed vegetables evenly in the prepared baking dish. Add the cooked chicken on top of the vegetables.
• Pour the marinara or tomato sauce evenly over the chicken and vegetables.

3. Top with Cheese:

• Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the casserole. If using, add the grated Parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy layer.

Bake the Casserole:

5. Bake:

• Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

Garnish and Serve:

6. Garnish and Serve:

• Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Tips for Success:

• Use pre-cooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken works great to save time.
• Customize vegetables: You can substitute or add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or cauliflower for variety.
• Crispy cheese topping: For an extra crispy cheese layer, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.

Recommendation:

Serve this Chicken & Vegetable Casserole with Mozzarella with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete and balanced meal. The combination of cheesy goodness and healthy vegetables will make it a favorite in your household!