Introduction
Cooking can be a delightful experience when you have the right ingredients at hand. This recipe combines simple components to create a comforting pasta dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With a blend of creamy tomato sauce, tender chicken, and two types of cheese, this baked ziti or penne is sure to please everyone at the table.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1 small onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
6 tbsp / 1/2 cup plain flour
2 cups milk (500ml)
2 cups tomato passata (500ml)
1 cup water (or chicken or vegetable broth) (250ml)
2 tsp salt
Black pepper
3 cups dried ziti / penne pasta (uncooked)
2 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Pepper
GARNISH (OPTIONAL)
Fresh basil leaves
Freshly grated parmesan
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
35 minutes
Yield
Serves 6
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350F/180C.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
In a deep fry pan or skillet, melt the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.
Step 3: Add Flour
Sprinkle in the 6 tablespoons of plain flour and stir to combine with the onion and garlic. Cook the mixture for an additional 2 minutes.
Step 4: Incorporate Milk
Gradually add 2 cups of milk while whisking for about 1 minute in small circles around the fry pan, until the mixture starts to thicken.
Step 5: Add Remaining Liquids
Stir in 2 cups of tomato passata, 1 cup of water (or chicken or vegetable broth), and 2 teaspoons of salt. Season with black pepper to taste. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook for approximately 5 minutes, or until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a metal spoon. Whisk occasionally for the first 3 minutes, then whisk constantly for the last 2 minutes.
Step 6: Adjust Seasoning
Taste the sauce and if it’s slightly sour, consider adding 1 to 2 teaspoons of sugar depending on the quality of the passata used.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Chicken
Add the 3 cups of uncooked ziti or penne, along with the 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly and allow the mixture to cook for 1 minute on the stove, then remove it from the heat.
Step 8: Prepare for Baking
Top the mixture with 3/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Cover the pan with a lid or aluminum foil, or use a suitable baking tray.
Step 9: Bake
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, remove the lid or foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
Step 10: Rest and Serve
Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and freshly grated parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
Note 1:
Tomato passata is simply plain, pureed tomatoes. In the U.S., it is also known as tomato sauce. In Australia, “tomato sauce” refers to tomato ketchup, so be careful not to confuse the two. You can find tomato passata in the pasta section, typically starting from just over $1 for a large 700g bottle. Pureed canned tomatoes can be used as an alternative.
Note 2:
For this recipe, the fry pan used should be about 26cm/10″ in diameter and 6cm/2.4″ deep. A slightly deeper skillet or large casserole pot works better. Be cautious while stirring to avoid spills, as the sauce does not splatter or bubble significantly.
Note 3:
If your fry pan does not have a lid, you can use a lid from a larger pot or simply cover it with foil, or even a baking tray will work.
Note 4:
Nutritional information is calculated based on 6 servings.
Cook techniques
Melt Butter
Melt unsalted butter in a deep fry pan or skillet over medium heat. This forms the base of the sauce.
Sauté Ingredients
Add diced onion and minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté until the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.
Make a Roux
Add plain flour to the sautéed mixture, stirring to combine, and cook for 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Create a Sauce
Whisk in milk gradually, stirring in small circles until the mixture starts to thicken. Add tomato passata, water, salt, and pepper, then cook until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Adjust Flavor
Perform a taste test of the sauce, adding sugar if it is slightly sour from the tomato passata.
Combine Ingredients
Fold in dried ziti or penne pasta, shredded cooked chicken, and cheddar cheese, mixing thoroughly before simmering briefly on the stove.
Bake and Melt Cheese
Top the mixture with shredded mozzarella cheese, cover with a lid or foil, and bake. Remove the cover to brown the cheese before resting it.
FAQ
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute ziti or penne with other pasta shapes as long as they are similar in cooking time.
What if I don’t have tomato passata?
You can use pureed canned tomatoes or a store-bought pasta sauce, adjusting salt to taste.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it in advance and bake it when needed. Adjust baking time if it’s been refrigerated.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes, you can omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of water or chicken broth.
What cheese can I substitute for cheddar and mozzarella?
You can use any melting cheese like gouda, fontina, or even a dairy-free cheese if desired.
Conclusion
This creamy chicken pasta bake is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The rich sauce, combined with tender pasta and shredded chicken, creates a comforting dish perfect for family dinners. The addition of melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese adds a deliciously cheesy finish, while the optional garnish of fresh basil and parmesan elevates the presentation and taste.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Bake
Replace the shredded chicken with steamed broccoli and add a dash of lemon juice for a refreshing twist.
Spicy Chicken Ziti
Incorporate diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick to the classic recipe.
Mushroom and Spinach Pasta Bake
Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms and fresh spinach for a vegetarian option that’s still satisfying.
Pasta Primavera
Add a mix of seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes to enhance the dish with color and nutrition.
BBQ Chicken Pasta
Stir in some barbecue sauce with the tomato passata for a tangy, smoky flavor profile.
Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Mix in buffalo sauce with the shredded chicken for a spicy, flavorful variation that pairs well with ranch dressing.
Four Cheese Pasta Bake
Use a mix of mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, and gouda cheese for a rich and indulgent cheese lover’s dish.
