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Chicken Pasta Bake

Chicken Pasta Bake
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A quick and delicious Chicken Pasta Bake combining tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. Ready in under 45 minutes, this comforting one-dish meal is perfect for busy family dinners, customizable to your taste, and freezer-friendly for easy leftovers.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Pasta

  • 8 oz (225g) penne or fusilli pasta

Cheese

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Creamy Sauce

  • 1 cup cream or milk
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free version)

Vegetables

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Optional: 1/2 cup bell peppers, chopped
  • Optional: 1/2 cup fresh spinach or other veggies like mushrooms, peas, sweet corn

Herbs & Spices

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of chili flakes (optional)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Cook the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Sauté in a hot pan with olive oil until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside to keep warm.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water until just shy of al dente, about 2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
  3. Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same pan, sauté onions and garlic until translucent. Stir in flour and cook briefly, then whisk in cream or milk gradually to create a thick, smooth sauce. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and chili flakes if using.
  4. Combine and Assemble: Mix cooked chicken, pasta, sauce, and your choice of vegetables together. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
  5. Bake Until Golden: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden brown. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook pasta; slightly undercook to avoid mushy texture after baking.
  • Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and flavor.
  • Sauté veggies first to soften and enhance flavor.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning before baking for balanced flavors.
  • Let the bake rest before serving to set and make serving easier.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken pasta bake, easy chicken bake, family dinner recipe, creamy chicken pasta, baked pasta, one-dish meal, freezer-friendly dinner

Find it online: https://tastebudtrek.com/chicken-pasta-bake/