Description
A cozy, protein-packed weeknight meal that combines tender chicken, fluffy quinoa, tangy marinara, and cheeses into a bubbly casserole.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 pound cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Rinse the quinoa under cold water and drain well.
- Combine quinoa and chicken broth in a pot, bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until tender.
- Remove from heat, let sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cooked quinoa, diced chicken, marinara, mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to the baking dish and smooth the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until heated through and cheese is bubbly.
- Let rest for 5 minutes, garnish with basil if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
For best texture, use day-old or cold cooked chicken. If marinara is watery, simmer it to thicken before mixing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 41g
- Cholesterol: 80mg