This creamy chicken pasta bake is a warm and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. It’s got a rich, creamy texture and savory flavors that’ll leave you wanting seconds.
This recipe prevents dry pasta with sous-vide cooking, avoids overcooking with precise timing, and offers substitutions for hard-to-find ingredients.
I created this recipe because, let’s be honest, sometimes it’s tough to find something everyone can eat, especially with family members having gluten allergies. Plus, with a busy schedule, I wanted something easy to prep and delicious for dinner.
What I love about this pasta bake is how simple it is to throw together. It takes just 15 minutes to prep, and then you can pop it in the oven for a cozy meal. The combination of juicy chicken and creamy sauce means you won’t have any dry pasta on your plate.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Creamy Texture , The creamy chicken pasta bake delivers a comforting mouthfeel, making every bite satisfying and rich. It’s like a warm hug on a plate.
- Flavorful Experience , With savory tomato flavor and herbaceous notes, the dish brings a delicious depth, thanks to the balance of chicken and spinach.
- Convenient Prep , You can prepare this ahead of time, making it super easy to have a homemade meal ready when you need it, without stress.
- Easy Storage , Leftovers keep well in the fridge or can be frozen, allowing for stress-free meals throughout the week without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredient Notes
- Chicken thighs: I love using boneless, skinless thighs because they stay juicy and tender. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces for easy cooking!
- Bacon: You can’t go wrong with crispy bacon! It adds a smoky flavor that makes everything better. Just be sure to cut it into small bits for even cooking.
- Tomato passata: This gives the pasta bake a lovely base. If you can’t find it, go for canned tomatoes instead; just crush them up a bit before using!
- Heavy cream: It brings all that creaminess to the dish. If you want a lighter option, you can use light cream, but it won’t be as rich.
- Pasta: I recommend tube-shaped pasta like rigatoni or ziti; they hold the sauce well. Just remember to cook it a minute or two less than usual!
Keep scrolling to the recipe card below for the full printable recipe!
Recipe Tips
- If you want to prevent mushy pasta, undercook it by 1-2 minutes before combining it with other ingredients.
- When cooking bacon, aim for crispiness to avoid any sogginess before mixing it into the dish.
- For richer flavor, season individual ingredients while cooking rather than waiting until everything is combined.
- If dryness is an issue after baking, check that your sauce is adequately saucy before mixing it with the pasta.
- For the best melting cheese, always opt for freshly grated instead of pre-grated varieties in your dish.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve chicken pasta bake alongside garlic bread for a hearty meal. Pair it with a simple green salad for added freshness.
- This dish can also shine in other recipes like a pasta salad or layered in a baked casserole. You can experiment with it in stuffed bell peppers or as a filling for savory crepes.
- Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley on top for extra flavor. A drizzle of a light olive oil dressing can enhance its overall appeal.
Storage Guidelines
- To keep your chicken pasta bake fresh, follow these storage tips:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Check for freshness before reheating.
- Preparation Ahead: Assemble the dish in an airtight container and keep this in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before baking.
Recipe Variations
- You can use 2 x 400 grams tins of tomatoes instead of tomato passata for a chunkier texture.
- Add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for extra flavor.
- Either switch the chicken for turkey or replace it with sausage for a hearty alternative.
- For larger servings, consider doubling the chicken to 1,000 grams and pasta to 600 grams.
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Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake
A hearty creamy chicken pasta bake loaded with flavors from chicken, bacon, and a rich cream sauce. Perfect for a family dinner!
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Casserole dish
- Mixing bowl
- slotted spoon
- Pot for boiling pasta
Ingredients
- 300 grams tube-shaped pasta (elicoidali, rigatoni, or ziti)
- 1 tablespoon butter (14 grams)
- 500 grams boneless skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-size pieces)
- 1 tablespoon flour (8 grams)
- 150 grams bacon (cut into bite-size pieces)
- 1 small onion (finely diced)
- 4 cloves garlic (finely diced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary or thyme (finely chopped)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (30 grams)
- ½ cup chicken stock (120 milliliters, or water)
- 700 grams tomato passata
- 1 cup cream (240 milliliters, heavy or light cream)
- 80 grams parmesan (finely grated, divided into two equal lots)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 100 grams baby spinach
- 200 grams mozzarella
- 1 handful Italian parsley (roughly chopped for serving, optional)
Instructions
- Start by boiling a pot of water and adding your tube-shaped pasta until it’s just shy of al dente. Aim for that perfect bite, but do not fully cook it; it will finish baking later. Keep an eye on it to ensure it does not turn too mushy while cooking.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter and add the chicken and bacon. Cook until the chicken turns a lovely golden color and the bacon is crispy. You are seeking a rich aroma filling your kitchen, which makes this step inviting.
- Add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet, allowing them to soften until fragrant and translucent. The enticing smell indicates a strong flavor foundation for your dish, so do not rush this step.
- Sprinkle in your fresh rosemary or thyme, then mix in the tomato paste. Cook for a minute until it darkens slightly, releasing its tangy fragrance. This enhances the complex flavors of the sauce.
- Pour in the chicken stock and tomato passata, stirring until everything is combined. As the sauce simmers, it will thicken and bubble enticingly. Check that it remains saucy enough to avoid dryness in the bake.
- Stir the cream into the sauce, adding half of your grated parmesan and seasoning with salt and pepper. This mixture will create a rich and creamy sauce base. Avoid boiling it, as high heat can cause the cream to separate.
- Gently fold in the baby spinach, allowing it to wilt in the warm sauce. This adds color and nutrition to your bake.
- Mix the pasta with the creamy sauce, gently folding to evenly coat each piece. Be cautious while stirring to avoid breaking the pasta.
- Pour everything into a baking dish and cover it with the remaining parmesan and mozzarella. This cheesy layer on top will become golden and bubbly during baking.
- Place the dish in the oven and bake until the top is golden brown and bubbly. You will know it is ready when your kitchen fills with the comforting scent of baked pasta.
- After baking, sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh finish. This adds color and brightness to the dish. Serve it hot and enjoy a hearty meal!
Notes
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. It can be assembled ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or frozen for 2-3 months; thaw completely before baking.
Expert Tips: If you want to prevent mushy pasta, undercook it by 1-2 minutes before combining it with other ingredients. When cooking bacon, aim for crispiness to prevent sogginess before mixing it into the dish. For richer flavor, season individual ingredients while cooking rather than waiting until everything is combined. Ensure your sauce is appropriately saucy before mixing it with the pasta to avoid dryness after baking. Always opt for freshly grated cheese instead of pre-grated for better melting.
Reheating Instructions: Microwave the leftover creamy chicken pasta bake on a microwave-safe dish at medium power until heated through, approximately 3-5 minutes depending on portion size.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with garlic bread for a complete meal. Pair with a simple green salad for freshness. Top with extra herbs like basil or parsley before serving.
Recipe Variations: Add more vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini for added flavor. Switch the protein to turkey or sausage for a different taste. Experiment with various types of cheese such as gouda or cheddar.
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