why make this recipe
Chicken pasta bake is a warm, comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, creamy sauce, and flavorful pasta. It’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Plus, it is easy to make and can be a great way to use up ingredients you have at home. This dish is filling and sure to please everyone at the table.
how to make Chicken pasta bake
Ingredients
- Butter, for greasing
- 250g/9oz penne pasta
- 1 onion, roughly chopped
- 3 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips roughly the size of your little finger
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 50g/1¾oz butter
- 50g/1¾oz plain flour
- 750ml/1 pint 6 fl oz hot milk (see tip)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 100g/3½oz Parmesan cheese, coarsely grated
- 2 large tomatoes, deseeded and cut into small cubes
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 220C/200C Fan/Gas 7. Grease a shallow 1.75 litre/3 pint ovenproof dish with butter.
- Cook the penne pasta with the onion in boiling, salted water according to the packet instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta, refresh it in cold water, and leave it to drain again in a colander.
- Place the chicken strips in a resealable freezer bag with the paprika and a little salt and pepper. Seal the bag and shake it to coat the chicken evenly.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large frying pan and quickly fry the chicken over high heat for about 2 minutes until golden-brown and just cooked through. You may need to do this in batches. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- To make the sauce, melt the butter in a large saucepan. Add the flour and whisk together to form a roux. Cook for 1 minute. Gradually add the hot milk, whisking over high heat until the sauce is smooth and thickened. Allow it to boil for about 4 minutes.
- Stir in the Dijon mustard and half the grated cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the pasta and onion to the sauce in the pan and stir together. Spoon half this mixture into the greased dish, arrange the chicken strips over the top, and then spoon the remaining pasta and sauce on top of the chicken. Scatter the diced tomatoes over everything and top it with the remaining cheese.
- Bake in the oven for about 20 minutes until the dish is piping hot and golden-brown on top.
how to serve Chicken pasta bake
Serve the chicken pasta bake warm, straight from the oven. It goes well with a simple side salad or some crusty bread. You can also sprinkle some fresh herbs on top for extra flavor before serving.
how to store Chicken pasta bake
To store leftover chicken pasta bake, let it cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Just be sure to defrost it in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Chicken pasta bake
- Make sure the pasta is cooked al dente, as it will continue to cook while baking.
- Feel free to add more vegetables, like bell peppers or spinach, for added nutrition and flavor.
- Use different types of cheese for a unique taste, such as cheddar or mozzarella.
variation
You can easily make a vegetarian version by replacing the chicken with cooked vegetables or canned beans, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth in the sauce.
FAQs
Q: Can I use different pasta shapes?
A: Yes, you can use any pasta shape you like. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
Q: Can I prepare this dish in advance?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the point of baking, cover it, and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Q: How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
A: The chicken should be golden-brown and have no pink inside. You can also use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should be at least 75°C (165°F).
