This incredibly delicious and budget-friendly chicken pasta bake is the kind of recipe that creates pure culinary magic from simple, everyday ingredients. The combination of tender seasoned chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce topped with golden cheese creates a dish that’s both comforting and impressive. This one-dish wonder is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or entertaining guests without breaking the bank.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 large chicken fillet (approximately 200g / 7 oz)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Vegetable Base
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 orange bell pepper, diced
- 1 large tomato, diced
- 1 bunch fresh parsley, chopped
For the Cream Sauce
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 200ml (3/4 cup) heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons plain flour
- 2 tablespoons water
For the Pasta Layer
- 250g (9 oz) pasta (penne or rigatoni work best)
- 60g (2 oz) Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- 200g (7 oz) mozzarella or cheddar cheese, grated
- Salt for pasta water
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For the Fresh Salad (Serving Suggestion)
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 small cucumbers, diced
- 3-4 green onion stems, chopped
- Salt to taste
- 2-3 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). This moderate temperature ensures even cooking without drying out the chicken or overcooking the pasta.
Pat the chicken fillet dry with paper towels and cut it into bite-sized cubes, approximately 2cm pieces. Uniform sizing ensures even cooking throughout the dish.
Season the chicken pieces generously with salt, black pepper, and paprika, tossing to coat evenly. The paprika adds both color and a subtle smoky sweetness that complements the other flavors.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown on all sides. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage as it will finish cooking in the oven.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside, leaving any rendered fat in the pan for the vegetables.
Creating the Vegetable Base
In the same skillet with the chicken drippings, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. The onion forms the flavor foundation of the dish.
Add the diced carrot and cook for another 3 minutes until slightly softened. Carrots add natural sweetness and beautiful color to the final dish.
Stir in the minced garlic and diced orange bell pepper, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant. The bell pepper provides crunch and vibrant color while the garlic adds aromatic depth.
Add the diced tomato and cook for 2-3 minutes until it begins to break down and release its juices. Fresh tomato adds acidity that balances the rich cream sauce.
Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and remove from heat. The parsley adds freshness and color to brighten the overall flavor profile.
Preparing the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Use approximately 1 tablespoon of salt per liter of water for properly seasoned pasta.
Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, typically 1-2 minutes less than the package suggests since it will continue cooking in the oven.
Drain the pasta and toss with a tablespoon of vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Set aside until ready to assemble.
Making the Cream Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, salt, black pepper, and oregano until well combined. The eggs will help set the cream sauce during baking.
Gradually whisk in the heavy cream, ensuring no lumps form. The cream provides richness and helps create the luxurious texture of the finished dish.
In a small bowl, whisk the flour with 2 tablespoons of water until smooth, creating a slurry. This helps thicken the sauce and prevents lumps.
Slowly whisk the flour slurry into the cream mixture until completely smooth. This sauce will set beautifully during baking, creating a custard-like consistency.
Assembling the Bake
Grease 3-4 individual glass baking dishes or one large 23x33cm (9×13 inch) baking dish with oil or butter.
Layer the cooked pasta in the bottom of the prepared dishes, distributing it evenly among the individual portions or spreading it in the large dish.
Distribute the cooked chicken pieces evenly over the pasta, followed by the sautéed vegetable mixture.
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the vegetables, which will add a sharp, nutty flavor that complements the mild cream sauce.
Pour the cream sauce mixture evenly over each dish, ensuring it reaches all corners and coats the ingredients thoroughly.
Arrange the sliced tomato on top for both flavor and visual appeal. The tomatoes will caramelize slightly during baking, adding concentrated flavor.
Top with the grated mozzarella or cheddar cheese, which will create the golden, bubbly top that makes this dish so appealing.
Baking to Perfection
Place the assembled dishes in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is set.
The dish is ready when the cheese is bubbling and golden, and a knife inserted into the center comes out with just a slight coating of creamy sauce.
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the sauce to set completely and makes serving easier.
Nutritional Information and Timing
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Serves: 4-6 portions
Approximate Nutritional Values per Serving:
- Calories: 485
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Calcium: 320mg
- Iron: 12% DV
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
Protein Alternatives
Replace chicken with turkey, ham, or cooked sausage for different flavor profiles. Vegetarian versions work well with mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted eggplant.
Pasta Variations
Short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work best as they hold the sauce well. Whole wheat pasta adds fiber and a nuttier flavor.
Cheese Combinations
Experiment with different cheese blends such as Gruyère and cheddar, or use Italian blend cheeses for more complex flavors.
Vegetable Additions
Incorporate spinach, mushrooms, broccoli, or zucchini for additional nutrition and variety. Roasted vegetables add deeper flavors.
Dairy-Free Options
Substitute the cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a dairy-free version that’s still rich and satisfying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? Yes, assemble the dish completely and cover tightly with foil. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy? Cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven. The slight firmness ensures the perfect texture in the finished dish.
Can I freeze this recipe? Absolutely! Freeze the unbaked assembled dish for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, and add 15-20 minutes to the cooking time.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? Cover with foil and reheat in a 160°C (325°F) oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Individual portions can be microwaved for 2-3 minutes.
How can I make this dish lighter? Use low-fat cream or milk thickened with cornstarch, reduce the cheese quantities, and add more vegetables to bulk up the dish without adding calories.
This ultimate chicken and pasta bake transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal that’s both economical and impressive. The combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and rich, creamy sauce topped with golden cheese creates a dish that’s destined to become a family favorite and the kind of recipe that gets passed down through generations.