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Chicken pasta bake

Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake for Cozy Family Nights

A comforting Chicken Pasta Bake perfect for family dinners, loaded with juicy chicken thighs, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Standing Time 5 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken and Sauce
  • 4 pieces Chicken thighs Can substitute with chicken breast.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon Italian herb mix Use your favorite herbs.
  • 6 ounces Bacon Can substitute with ham.
  • 1 medium Onion Finely chopped.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Freshly minced.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon Chili flakes Adjust based on taste.
  • 1/2 cup White wine (Chardonnay) Can replace with low-sodium chicken stock.
For the Pasta and Veggies
  • 12 ounces Rigatoni Can substitute with penne or shells.
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
  • 2 cups Tomato passata Use pureed tomatoes if unavailable.
  • 1 cup Tomatoes Fresh chunks, can use cherry tomatoes.
  • 2 cups Baby spinach Can substitute with kale.
For the Topping
  • 2 cups Mozzarella Can substitute with provolone.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Finely shredded.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Non-Stick Pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking Dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Pasta Bake
  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Cook the rigatoni in salted boiling water until al dente, drain, and set aside.
  2. Cook chopped bacon in a non-stick pan until crispy. Set aside on paper towels.
  3. Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian herbs. Sear in the same pan until lightly golden, about 5–7 minutes per side.
  4. Sauté chopped onion and minced garlic in the pan for about 3–4 minutes until translucent.
  5. Add white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping browned bits. Let reduce for about 2 minutes.
  6. Stir in tomato paste, then add tomato passata and water, simmering gently for 5 minutes.
  7. Combine chicken, chopped tomatoes, spinach, bacon, and rigatoni in the pan, mixing well.
  8. Pour mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
  9. Bake for 25 minutes until cheese is melted and golden brown.
  10. Let the bake stand for about 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Feel free to customize with additional vegetables or different types of cheese for personal preference.

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