Description
Hearty Chicken Pasta Bake promises comfort with layers of creamy goodness and golden-brown cheese. Perfectly balanced flavors invite warm family dinners where you can savor each delightful, cheesy bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 3 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
- 100g/3½ oz Parmesan cheese, coarsely grated
Pasta and Vegetables:
- 250g/9 oz penne
- 1 onion, roughly chopped
- 2 large tomatoes, deseeded and cut into small cubes
Seasonings and Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 50g/1¾ oz butter
- 50g/1¾ oz plain flour
- 750 milliliters/1 pint 6 fluid ounces hot milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Butter, for greasing
Instructions
- Ignite the oven to 220C (200C fan) or gas mark 7. Grease a 1.75L ovenproof casserole with butter for a non-stick surface.
- Submerge penne and onion in salted water, cooking until pasta reaches al dente perfection. Thoroughly drain and rinse.
- Create a flavor coating for chicken strips using paprika, salt, and pepper by gently tumbling in a sealed bag.
- Sear chicken pieces in sizzling olive oil over high heat for precisely 2 minutes until golden and slightly crisp. Remove and reserve.
- Craft a roux by melting butter in a saucepan, then incorporating flour and stirring continuously for one minute to develop rich flavor.
- Slowly introduce hot milk while whisking, allowing the mixture to boil and transform into a smooth, velvety sauce within 4 minutes.
- Enhance the sauce with tangy Dijon mustard and melt in the majority of the cheese. Season with complementary spices.
- Marry the pasta, onion, and luxurious sauce in a harmonious blend. Create a first layer in the prepared dish, strategically position chicken, then crown with remaining pasta mixture.
- Embellish the top with scattered remaining cheese and vibrant tomato slices for visual appeal and added flavor.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until surface turns golden and sauce bubbles enticingly.
Notes
- Add extra spice by mixing cayenne or chili flakes with paprika for a bolder chicken flavor.
- Swap chicken for firm tofu or plant-based protein to create a vegetarian version that maintains the dish’s creamy texture.
- Use gluten-free pasta and replace wheat flour with cornstarch to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar or smoked gouda to elevate the overall taste profile and add depth to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 27 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 488 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 360 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 37 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg