Baked Chicken and Pasta Bites with Mozzarella
Fun, bite-sized nuggets of tender chicken, pasta, and melted cheese that kids love to make and eat. This american-inspired kid friendly ready in about 35 minutes pairs diced cooked chicken, cooked and drained penne pasta, shredded mozzarella cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, diced cooked chicken
- 8 oz, cooked and drained penne pasta
- 1 cup, shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1, beaten egg
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine 1 lb diced chicken, 8 oz cooked penne pasta, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup marinara sauce, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, 1 beaten egg, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Mix until evenly distributed.
- Step 2: Form the mixture into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Step 3: Bake for 20 minutes until the edges are golden and the cheese is melted, then let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Chicken and Pasta Bites with Mozzarella take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Baked Chicken and Pasta Bites with Mozzarella?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep diced cooked chicken from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Chicken and Pasta Bites with Mozzarella?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Baked Chicken and Pasta Bites with Mozzarella for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Baked Chicken and Pasta Bites with Mozzarella?
American kid friendly like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Easy and delicious, my picky eater actually asked for seconds.
- ★★★★★
These were a hit at my daughter's birthday party! The kids devoured them.
- ★★★★☆
Simple and tasty, my family enjoyed the pasta bites.
