Introduction
If you’re looking for a creamy, comforting dish that warms the soul, this chicken and mushroom pasta bake is a perfect choice. It’s packed with flavors, hearty ingredients, and is simple to prepare. Let’s dive right into the ingredients that will make this delightful dish come to life.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Cups
Metric
▢ 500g / 1lb spaghetti or other long pasta, cooked per packet (penne, macaroni, ziti ok too)
CHICKEN
▢ 2 tbsp (30g) butter
▢ 500g / 1lb chicken thighs, skinless boneless
CREAMY SAUCE
▢ 4 tbsp (60g) butter, unsalted
▢ 500g / 1lb mushrooms, sliced 1/2 cm / 1/5″ thick
▢ 2 garlic cloves, minced
▢ 1 onion, finely chopped
▢ 4 tbsp flour
▢ 2 cups milk, any fat, any type
▢ 1 cup cream, heavy / thickened (sub more milk)
▢ 2 cups chicken stock/broth, low sodium (or water + 2 stock cubes)
▢ 1/2 tsp black pepper
▢ 1 tsp salt
▢ 2 cups cheese, shredded (cheddar, jack, colby – not mozz)
Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: Serves 6
This chicken and mushroom pasta bake is not only satisfying but also versatile. Use your preferred types of pasta and experiment with different cheeses for added flavor. Enjoy the cozy comfort of this creamy dish, and let it become a staple in your recipe collection!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Sear Chicken
Melt 2 tbsp butter in a large pot over high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for about 1 1/2 minutes until golden brown. Flip the chicken, season with salt and pepper again, and cook for an additional minute until golden. Remove the chicken from the pot onto a plate; it doesn’t need to be fully cooked, as it will continue cooking in the oven. Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes, then chop into small pieces or shred it.
Sauce & Pasta
Preheat your oven to 160°C / 325°F.
Cook the mushrooms: In the same pot, melt 4 tbsp of butter over high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 4 minutes until they begin to soften but are not yet golden.
Add the onion and garlic: Incorporate the minced garlic and finely chopped onion, cooking for 3 minutes until the mushrooms turn golden. Add a pinch of salt and pepper halfway through cooking.
Prepare the sauce: Turn the heat down to medium, then add the flour, stirring for 30 seconds. Gradually add the milk, stirring for about 10 seconds or until the mixture thickens slightly.
Incorporate cream and broth: Add the chicken stock, cream, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper. Stir well and allow the mixture to heat up, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Add cheese & pasta: Turn off the stove. Stir in half of the shredded cheese until it melts, then add the cooked pasta and chopped chicken. Toss everything together, then taste and adjust salt as necessary.
Bake
Pour the pasta mixture into a 23 x 33 cm / 9 x 13″ baking dish, smoothing out the surface. Top with the remaining cheese. Bake for 25 minutes until golden and bubbly. Serve immediately!
Notes
Pasta
For this recipe, avoid using tiny pasta like risoni or orzo, as it won’t create enough volume. You can either follow this recipe or cook double the amount of pasta.
Chicken
Chicken thighs are recommended as they remain juicier when cooked for longer. You can use chicken breast or tenderloin as alternatives. Store-bought rotisserie chicken works too, but the flavor may not be as robust due to the lack of searing the “fond” from the chicken.
Cool Pasta
Cooling the pasta reduces its ability to absorb sauce while baking, preventing it from becoming bloated and ensuring a saucy result.
Substitutions for Creamy Sauce Ingredients
You can replace butter with margarine or olive oil (and adjust the milk to include some cream for richness). Any type of flour will work—white, wholemeal, or gluten-free. For those avoiding gluten, use a cornflour slurry instead of regular flour. Any type of milk (dairy or non-dairy) is acceptable. You can substitute up to 1.5 cups of milk with water, and use stock powder or cubes instead of liquid broth.
Leftovers
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat in the microwave. Due to the saucy nature of the dish, the leftovers maintain better quality compared to most pastas.
Make Ahead / Freezing
To make ahead, toss hot pasta with a dab of butter or a drizzle of oil to prevent sticking. Let cool before mixing with the sauce and assembling the dish. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw and bake for 40 minutes covered with foil (uncovering for the last 10 minutes). Alternatively, bake directly from frozen, covered for 50 minutes or until hot, then uncover to brown.
Nutrition per Serving
To reduce calories, substitute cream with additional milk or cheese with parmesan cheese, as a stronger flavor means less is needed.
Cook techniques
Searing Chicken
Melt butter in a high-heat, large pot. Add chicken seasoned with salt and pepper. Sear for 1.5 minutes until golden brown, turn and sear the other side for an additional minute. Remove and let rest before chopping or shredding.
Cooking Mushrooms
In the same pot, melt more butter over high heat. Add sliced mushrooms and cook for about 4 minutes until they start to soften but are not yet golden.
Sautéing Aromatics
Add minced garlic and finely chopped onion to the mushrooms. Sauté for 3 minutes until the onions are soft and the mushrooms turn golden. Season with salt and pepper halfway through.
Making the Sauce
Reduce heat to medium and add flour to the pot. Stir for about 30 seconds before gradually adding milk. Stir until the sauce thickens slightly, then incorporate the chicken stock and cream, cooking until it reaches the desired consistency.
Incorporating Cheese and Pasta
Turn off the heat and mix in half of the shredded cheese until melted. Add in the cooked pasta and seared chicken, tossing to combine and adjusting seasoning as needed.
Baking the Dish
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, smooth the surface, and top with the remaining cheese. Bake in a preheated oven until the top is golden and bubbly, about 25 minutes.
FAQ
Can I use different types of pasta?
Yes, long pasta like spaghetti, penne, macaroni, or ziti works well. Just ensure the pasta is cooked per the package instructions before adding to the sauce.
Can I substitute chicken thighs with another cut?
Yes, chicken breasts or tenderloin can be used, but thighs tend to remain juicier during cooking.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
You can substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour or cornflour/cornstarch, and use gluten-free pasta.
What types of milk can I use in the sauce?
Any type of milk, including dairy or non-dairy options, is fine for the sauce.
Can I make this dish ahead of time or freeze it?
Yes, you can prepare the pasta bake ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze it for 3 months. Adjust baking time if cooking from frozen.
Conclusion
This creamy chicken and mushroom pasta bake is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken thighs, savory mushrooms, and a rich cheese sauce to create a satisfying meal. The combination of flavors and textures, along with the comforting nature of pasta bake, makes it perfect for family dinners or gatherings. With easy-to-follow instructions and adaptable ingredients, this recipe is a winner for any occasion.
Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Pasta
Combine the creamy sauce with steamed broccoli florets for additional nutrition and flavor, creating a deliciously vibrant dish.
Spinach and Feta Pasta Bake
Add fresh spinach and crumbled feta cheese to the creamy cheese mixture for a tangy twist that complements the richness of the dish.
Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake
Substitute chicken with seasoned shrimp and add extra garlic for a seafood variation that is sure to impress.
Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Basil
Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil into the sauce for a burst of Mediterranean flavor that elevates the pasta bake.
Beef and Mushroom Pasta Bake
Swap out the chicken for ground beef and add more mushrooms for a hearty alternative that’s packed with protein and flavor.
Vegetable-Packed Pasta Bake
Include a mixture of your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, and peas, in the sauce for a colorful and nutritious vegetarian option.
Mexican-Inspired Chicken Pasta
Add black beans, corn, and jalapeños to the creamy mixture, topped with cheddar cheese for a zesty and flavorful touch.
