Italian Baked Chicken and Pastina

Savor the comforting flavors of Italy with this Italian Baked Chicken and Pastina recipe, a family-friendly dish that combines tender cubed chicken, perfectly cooked pastina, and a rich tomato-based sauce infused with garlic and Italian seasoning. Topped with a luscious layer of melty mozzarella and salty Parmesan, this baked casserole delivers hearty, cheesy goodness in every bite. Quick to prep and baked to bubbly perfection, it’s a one-dish wonder ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Garnished with fresh parsley for a bright, herbaceous finish, this recipe is as visually appealing as it is delicious. Pair with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired meal everyone will love!

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup pastina (small pasta, such as acini di pepe or ditalini)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cubed)
• 1 medium onion (finely diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 14 ounces canned diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pastina (or small pasta) for 2 minutes less than the package instructions indicate. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until browned and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 4

In the same pan, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, or until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the canned diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6

Return the cooked chicken to the pan, then add the cooked pastina. Stir to combine all the ingredients.

Step 7

Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Pour the chicken and pasta mixture into the dish and spread it evenly.

Step 8

Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top, followed by the shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 9

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 10

Allow the dish to cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1699.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2795.6

Total Fat 106.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 45.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 568.8mg	0%
Sodium 4828.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 210.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.2g	0%
Total Sugars 22.7g
Protein 244.9g	0%

Vitamin D 31.8IU	0%
Calcium 2082.9mg	0%
Iron 13.7mg	0%
Potassium 2572.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 34.5%

Protein: 35.2%

Carbs: 30.2%