Baked Parmesan Riggatoni

4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2  boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chopped into bite size pieces
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
4 large cloves of garlic, minced
1 28 ounce can of crushed tomatoes (Recommended San Marzano)
2 6 ounce cans of tomatoes paste
1 cup water
2 tablespoons fresh oregano leaves, chopped
1 bay leaf
salt and pepper
1 pound rigatoni pasta
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
A handful of fresh basil, chopped or shredded


Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven safe skillet, over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, season with salt and pepper and cook until no pink remains. Remove to a plate and tent with foil.

Return the skillet to the heat and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes. Mix in half of minced garlic and cook one more minute. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomatoes paste, water,oregano, and the bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.

Meanwhile bring a large pot of water to boil. Salt the boiling water and add the pasta. Cook to al dente. Drain and set aside.

Remove lid from the marinara sauce and add the cooked chicken and Parmesan cheese. Carefully stir in the cooked pasta and top with the mozzarella cheese.

Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is browned and bubbly. Remove from the oven and top with shredded basil.