Go Back
+ servings
Chicken pasta bake

Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake That Feels Like a Warm Hug

A cozy Chicken Pasta Bake that is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

Protein
  • 500 grams chicken thighs can also use chicken breast
  • 200 grams streaky bacon or chopped ham
Pasta and Base
  • 300 grams rigatoni pasta penne or macaroni can be substitutes
  • 1 medium onion or shallots for milder flavor
  • 3 cloves garlic cloves or garlic powder
Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 400 grams tomato passata or crushed/diced tomatoes
  • 100 milliliters water to rinse out the passata jar
Spices
  • 1 teaspoon salt kosher salt preferred
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder substitute fresh garlic if needed
  • 1 teaspoon Italian herb mix
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme as a substitute
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes adjust to spice tolerance
Finishing Touch
  • 100 milliliters Chardonnay or dry white wine or low-sodium chicken stock
  • 2 medium fresh tomatoes canned tomatoes are a quick alternative
  • 100 grams baby spinach or kale as a swap
  • 150 grams mozzarella cheese low-moisture varieties melt better
  • 50 grams Parmesan cheese Grana Padano is a suitable alternative

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • large skillet
  • Baking dish

Method
 

Steps
  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Aim for al dente, about 8-10 minutes, then drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, add streaky bacon and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and chop into bite-sized pieces.
  4. Add seasoned chicken thighs to the same skillet with bacon fat. Cook until light golden, about 5-6 minutes per side; they don’t need to be fully cooked through. Remove and let rest.
  5. In the skillet, add chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Sprinkle in dried oregano and chili flakes, deglaze with Chardonnay, and let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  6. Stir in tomato paste, tomato passata, and a little water. Mix thoroughly and return the chicken to the skillet. Simmer for about 5 minutes.
  7. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rigatoni, crisp bacon, fresh spinach, and tomatoes. Pour chicken and sauce mixture over pasta and stir gently. Transfer to a greased baking dish.
  8. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top. Bake for about 25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 40gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 400mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This dish is perfect for meal prep! Assemble and refrigerate before baking for a convenient go-to on busy nights.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!