Introduction
Pasta bake is a comforting dish that brings together the flavors of seasoned chicken, crispy bacon, and rich tomato sauce, all baked to perfection. This recipe combines hearty pasta with a medley of ingredients, creating a delicious meal that’s sure to satisfy the whole family.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Seasoned Chicken
– 500g / 1 lb chicken thighs, cut into small bite-size pieces
– 1/2 tsp cooking/kosher salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 2 tsp Italian herb mix, any store-bought type
Pasta Bake
– 300g / 10oz rigatoni (or penne, elbow macaroni, shells or similar)
– 2 tsp salt, for cooking pasta
– 5 slices streaky bacon
– 1/2 onion, finely chopped
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 1/2 tsp dried oregano
– 1/2 tsp chilli flakes / red pepper flakes
– 1/2 cup chardonnay or other dry white wine
– 2 tbsp tomato paste
– 700g / 24oz tomato passata
– 1/2 cup water
– 1 tsp cooking/kosher salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 3 tomatoes, cut into 8 wedges then halved
– 2 big handfuls baby spinach (or bite-size kale)
– 2 cups mozzarella, shredded
– 1/2 cup (tightly packed) parmesan, finely shredded
Prep Time
Preparation for this pasta bake takes approximately 15 minutes.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook time is roughly 40 minutes, leading to a total time of about 55 minutes. This recipe yields about 4 to 6 servings, making it perfect for families or small gatherings.
Enjoy this delicious pasta bake as a cozy dinner option that combines flavorful ingredients into one satisfying dish!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F (or 160°C if using a fan oven).
Cook the Pasta
Cook the rigatoni (or the preferred pasta) according to the package directions in a pot of boiling water with 2 teaspoons of salt added. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it briefly under tap water. Set the pasta aside to cool while preparing the sauce.
Season the Chicken
In a bowl, toss together the chicken thighs, cooking/kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian herb mix until evenly coated.
Crisp the Bacon
Place the streaky bacon in an unheated large non-stick pan. Turn the stove to medium-high heat, allowing the bacon to cook in its own fat until it becomes light golden. Once cooked, remove the bacon and place it on paper towels, leaving the rendered fat in the pan. Allow the bacon to cool, then cut it into 1cm (approximately 1/3 inch) pieces.
Sizzle the Chicken
If there is less than 1 tablespoon of bacon fat left in the pan, add olive oil to top it up. Increase the heat to high and cook the seasoned chicken for about 3 minutes, or until it is light golden on the outside but still raw on the inside. Remove the chicken from the pan using a slotted spoon and place it in a bowl.
Prepare the Sauce
In the same pan, add minced garlic and finely chopped onion. Sauté for 1 minute. Next, incorporate the chilli flakes and dried oregano, cooking for an additional 2 minutes or until the onion becomes translucent. Pour in the white wine and quickly simmer for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing most of the wine to evaporate. Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to concentrate the flavor. Then add the tomato passata, rinsing out the bottle with water and adding that as well. Mix in the cooking/kosher salt, black pepper, and the cooked chicken along with any juices. Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes over medium heat.
Toss the Ingredients
Add the baby spinach, wedges of fresh tomato, cooled pasta, and chopped bacon to the sauce mixture. Toss thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
Assemble the Bake
Transfer the mixture into a 23 x 33 cm (9 x 13 inch) baking pan. Evenly top with shredded mozzarella and finely shredded parmesan.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and appears to have some golden spots.
Serve
Allow the dish to stand for about 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Note 1
Chicken thighs work best for this recipe due to their flavor and moisture.
Note 2
When crisping the bacon, make sure to allow the fat to render slowly to achieve a perfect golden color.
Note 3
Tomato passata is a smooth tomato sauce used in various recipes and adds richness to the dish.
Cook techniques
Preheating the Oven
Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F (160°C fan) to ensure it reaches the desired temperature for baking.
Cooking Pasta
Boil water and add 2 teaspoons of salt before cooking the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and briefly rinse under tap water to stop the cooking process.
Seasoning Chicken
Combine the chicken pieces with cooking/kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian herb mix in a bowl to evenly season.
Crisping Bacon
Start with an unheated non-stick pan, place the bacon, and turn the stove on to medium high. Cook until golden, allowing the fat to render, then remove the bacon while retaining the fat in the pan.
Sizzling Chicken
If necessary, add olive oil to the bacon fat in the pan. Increase the heat and cook the seasoned chicken for about 3 minutes until it turns light golden but is not fully cooked.
Making the Sauce
Sauté minced garlic and chopped onion in the same pan until the onion is translucent. Add the chili flakes and oregano, followed by wine, allowing it to simmer until most of the liquid evaporates. Stir in tomato paste, passata, and seasonings.
Tossing Ingredients
Incorporate baby spinach, tomatoes, cooked pasta, and crispy bacon into the sauce, mixing thoroughly to combine all the flavors.
Assembling the Bake
Transfer the mixture into a baking dish and top with shredded mozzarella and parmesan before placing it in the oven.
Baking
Bake for 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and has golden spots, then let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
FAQ
How can I ensure my pasta is cooked perfectly?
Follow the package instructions for cooking time and use adequately salted water to enhance flavor.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they may require a slightly different cooking time to avoid drying out.
What can I substitute for white wine in the recipe?
You can use chicken broth or vegetable broth as a substitute for white wine.
How do I know when the pasta bake is done?
It’s done when the cheese is melted and bubbly with some golden spots.
Can I add vegetables to the pasta bake?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms as desired.
Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the pasta bake ahead of time and store it in the fridge, then bake when ready to serve.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this seasoned chicken pasta bake is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that brings together tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich tomato sauce combined with melted cheese. It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetarian Pasta Bake
Substitute chicken and bacon with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms, adding chickpeas for protein.
Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake
Add cream cheese or heavy cream to the tomato sauce for a richer flavor and creamy texture.
Spicy Chicken Pasta Bake
Incorporate jalapeños or additional chili flakes for heat, and use pepper jack cheese for a spicy twist.
Chicken Alfredo Bake
Replace tomato sauce with a homemade or store-bought Alfredo sauce, and add broccoli for extra nutrition.
BBQ Chicken Pasta Bake
Use shredded cooked chicken mixed with barbecue sauce instead of seasoned chicken for a barbecue flavor profile.
Mediterranean Chicken Bake
Add olives, capers, and feta cheese, swapping the Italian herb mix for herbes de Provence for a Mediterranean touch.
