Chicken Pasta Bake
Everything you expect from a chicken pasta bake—creamy, cheesy, and finger-licking delicious. This easy chicken pasta bake is a perfect family dish.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Large Skillet
- Casserole or Baking Dish
- sharp knife
- Colander
- Oven Mittens
- Cheese Grater
Ingredients
For the Pasta Bake:
- 400 g /14.11 oz rigatoni pasta or penne - cooked al dente
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion - finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves - minced
- 400 g tomato passata - or canned diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 250 ml chicken broth
- 300 ml heavy cream
- 200 g mozzarella cheese - grated
- 150 g Parmesan cheese - grated
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley - chopped, for garnish (optional)
For Seasoning the Chicken
- 500 g /1 lb boneless - skinless chicken thighs, diced
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp all-purpose spicy - or chicken spice of your choice
Optional Add-Ins:
- 100 g baby spinach for added greens
- 150 g mushrooms - sliced, for an earthy flavor
- ½ tsp chili flakes for a hint of heat
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Before beginning, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures your pasta bake will cook evenly and develop that golden, bubbling crust.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- While the oven is preheating, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, ensuring it is al dente—this means it should be firm to the bite, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken thighs, seasoned with all purpose spicy, garlic powder, and black pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
- Using the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed, and sauté the onions until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. If you're adding optional ingredients like mushrooms or spinach, add them now and cook until softened.
Step 5: Create the Sauce
- Add tomato passata, tomato paste, chili flakes, dried herbs oregano and basil (or Italian mixed herbs), and chicken brot to the skillet. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. For a creamier sauce, stir in the heavy cream at this stage. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Combine the Ingredients
- Once the sauce is ready, return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat. Next, add the cooked pasta and mix everything together, ensuring the pasta is evenly covered in the sauce.
Step 7: Assemble the Bake
- Transfer the chicken and pasta mixture into a large baking dish. Sprinkle the grated mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the top, making sure the cheese is spread evenly for a perfectly golden, cheesy crust.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. For an extra crispy top, switch the oven to broil/grill for the last 2-3 minutes, but keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
- Once the Chicken Pasta Bake is out of the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and added flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Leftovers will keep for 3 days in the fridge or freezer for 3 months.
Nutrition
Calories: 575kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 150g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 150mg | Sodium: 1870mg | Potassium: 990mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 90g | Vitamin A: 2280IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 457mg | Iron: 4mg
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed and personalised calculations.