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Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake

PREP 15 minutes
COOK 50 minutes
TOTAL 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield 6 people
Created by: Charlene Carey
Creamy Tomato 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!
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Course: Main Course

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.