Delicious Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Are you ready to cook up something truly comforting and delicious? This chicken pasta bake is packed with flavors, from juicy chicken to rich tomato sauce, and topped with gooey cheese! Join me as we dive into this delightful recipe that’s perfect for meal prep or a cozy dinner any night of the week!

Ingredients for a Hearty Chicken Pasta Bake

Let’s talk about what you’ll need to create this delicious chicken pasta bake! I promise, it’s a simple list—nothing fancy, just good food that will make your belly happy!

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 500g (1 lb) chicken thighs: These are perfect because they stay juicy!
• 300g (10 oz) rigatoni pasta: You can use other short pastas too—whatever you like!
• 5 slices of bacon: Because bacon makes everything better, right?
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped: This adds great flavor.
• 2 garlic cloves, minced: Can’t have enough garlic!
• 700g (24 oz) tomato passata: This is the base of our yummy sauce.
• 2 tbsp tomato paste: For that extra tomato goodness.
• 1/2 cup dry white wine: Or low-sodium chicken stock if you prefer!
• 2 cups mozzarella, shredded: We need that stretchy, melty cheese!
• 1/2 cup parmesan, finely shredded: For a nice touch of flavor.
• Seasonings: This includes salt, pepper, oregano, and chili flakes for a little kick!
• 2 big handfuls of baby spinach: A sneaky way to add some greens!
• 3 tomatoes, cut into wedges: Fresh and juicy!

Here are a couple of tips for picking your ingredients:

• Choose fresh chicken for the best flavor and texture. Frozen is okay, but fresh is always better!
• Look for quality pasta that holds its shape well when baked. Rigatoni is my favorite!
• Pick your cheese wisely: Go for a good quality mozzarella for that perfect melt.

This hearty chicken pasta bake is all about using simple ingredients to create something extraordinary. Who doesn’t love a comforting meal that’s easy on the wallet and the taste buds? So, gather these ingredients, and let’s get ready to cook something amazing! Happy cooking! 🍽️

How to Prepare the Perfect Tomato Sauce

Now let’s get to the heart of our chicken pasta bake—the tomato sauce! This sauce is not just any old sauce; it’s bursting with flavor, and it’s super easy to make! I want you to feel like a kitchen superstar, so let’s dive in!

Here’s how to whip up that perfect tomato sauce:

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Start by heating a large pan over medium heat. Add a little of that bacon fat (from cooking the bacon earlier) and toss in your finely chopped onion. Sauté it for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Add in those minced garlic cloves and let them cook for another minute. Ah, can you smell that? Delicious!

1. Add the Spices: Time to spice things up! Sprinkle in chili flakes and dried oregano. They’ll add a fantastic zing to our sauce! Stir them in for about 30 seconds to let the flavors mingle and really pop!

1. Pour in the Wine: Here’s my secret weapon—add 1/2 cup of dry white wine. Let it simmer for about 1-2 minutes until most of the liquid cooks off. This step brings out a depth of flavor you won’t forget! If you prefer not to use wine, go ahead and substitute it with low-sodium chicken stock.

1. Mix in Tomato Goodness:

– Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and cook for about a minute.
– Add 700g of tomato passata and 1/2 cup of water (use this to rinse out that passata bottle so you get every drop!).
– Season with salt and pepper to taste.

1. Simmer Away: Let your sauce simmer gently for about 5-10 minutes, allowing all those beautiful flavors to come together. Stir in your cooked chicken (along with any tasty juices), and don’t forget to taste-test—add more seasoning if necessary!

And there you have it! A rich, homemade tomato sauce that will elevate your pasta bake to new heights. I’m telling you, it’s so good, you might just want to make a double batch! Feel free to adjust the seasonings as you like; after all, cooking is about making it your own! Happy sauce making! 🍅🍝

Step-by-Step Guide to Assembling and Baking

Now that we have our delicious tomato sauce ready, it’s time to put it all together! Assembling the chicken pasta bake is super easy and a lot of fun. You’ll be amazed at how all these yummy ingredients come together for a comforting meal! Here’s how to do it:

1. Preheat Your Oven: First things first, let’s get the oven heated to 180°C (350°F). This step is essential for that perfect bake!

1. Cook the Pasta: While your oven is warming up, cook your rigatoni according to the package instructions. Don’t forget to add a pinch of salt to the boiling water! Once it’s al dente, drain it and set it aside for a bit.

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, the sizzling chicken, and the tomato sauce. Give it a good stir! Don’t be shy; make sure everything is coated in that scrumptious sauce. It’s like a party for your pasta!

1. Add the Goodies: Now, sprinkle in the crispy bacon, baby spinach, and juicy tomato wedges. Fold these gently into the mix so they stay intact. You want those delightful little pockets of flavor in every bite!

1. Transfer to Baking Dish: Grab your 23 x 33 cm (9 x 13 inch) baking dish and pour the mixture in. Spread it out evenly, so every part gets heated through.

1. Cheese!: Here comes the best part—add your shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan on top! This cheesy layer is what makes it all gooey and delightful!

1. Bake: Pop it in the oven and let it bake for about 25 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want it to bubble and turn golden brown on top!

Once it’s out of the oven, let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the sauce to set a bit, making it easier to serve. Now, dig in and enjoy this fantastic chicken pasta bake!

Tips for Make-Ahead and Freezing Your Pasta Bake

I love dishes that can be made ahead of time! It makes life so much easier, especially during busy weeks. Here are my best tips for preparing this chicken pasta bake in advance and freezing it for later:

Make Ahead

1. Cook Your Sauce and Pasta Separately: Start by preparing your tomato sauce and cooking your pasta ahead of time. Allow both to cool completely before combining them. This prevents excess moisture and keeps everything fresh!

1. Combine and Assemble: Mix the pasta, sauce, chicken, and other ingredients in your baking dish, just like we did before. But hold off on the cheese! It’s best to add that layer right before baking.

1. Cover and Refrigerate: Tightly cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or foil. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s well-wrapped to keep those flavors intact!

Freezing

1. Prepare for the Future: If you want to freeze your pasta bake, assemble it as described above. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. This double layer prevents freezer burn!

1. Label and Store: Don’t forget to label your dish with the date! You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw it completely in the fridge overnight.

1. Baking from Frozen: When you’re ready to eat, you can bake it straight from the freezer, but it will take longer! Cover it with foil for the first 20 minutes to prevent over-browning. After that, remove the foil and bake until it’s thoroughly heated.

With these tips, you’ll always have a warm, cozy meal ready to go! Enjoy the convenience of make-ahead meals without sacrificing flavor. Happy cooking! 🍽️✨