Yep. This cheesy full-of-yummy-comforting-goodness casserole
dish filled with rotisserie chicken, quinoa, fresh tomatoes and basil.
I’ve always loved caprese dishes….the combination of mozzarella,
tomatoes and basil is pure HEAVEN in my book and I figured it was
absolutely necessary that they be thrown into a cheesy casserole.
I wanted this dish to be hearty enough for my hubby’s tastes while
still being relatively healthy. I used rotisserie chicken because, well
duh, rotisserie chicken always has SO much flavor plus it really makes
preparing this dish quick and simple. You could of course cook up some
chicken breasts to use, but this just makes things a little easier and I
am all about convenience these days. I also used quinoa rather
than pasta which not only adds more nutritional value to the overall
dish, but the quinoa soaks up the sauce so perfectly I actually prefer
it over pasta! Oh and speaking of the sauce – um you guys this is
legit. I mean it’s creamy, tomatoey, has just the perfect amount of
heat with the added crushed red pepper and when tossed together with the
cheese and fresh basil, it’s quite literally awesome-sauce.
I’m kind of obsessed with casserole dishes because you can easily
throw everything into one pan, toss it in the oven and boom, you have a
delicious dinner along with a bunch of leftovers for the week! This
recipe makes a TON, but heating it up the next day is just as delicious (if
not better!) – trust me on this. This casserole also freezes really
well too. Just let everything cool completely, cover tightly with
plastic wrap then cover again with foil. Then when you’re ready to bake
it, just top with tomatoes and pop it in the oven. Your family will
thank you!
Cheesy Caprese Chicken & Quinoa Casserole Recipe
Serves: 6 Servings
Ingredients
- 3 cups diced rotisserie chicken (or any other cooked chicken)
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups crushed tomatoes
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste
- 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- ¼ cup half and half
- ¼ to ½ tsp. crushed red pepper (this is optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
- Handful fresh basil, chopped
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