Introduction
If you’re looking for a delicious, comforting dish that brings together flavorful seasoned chicken, crispy bacon, and a hearty pasta bake, this recipe is just what you need. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home, this pasta bake combines the richness of cheese with the freshness of spinach and tomatoes, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Let’s dive into the ingredients and instructions to create this delightful meal.
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 / 10 oz 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 chili flakes / red pepper flakes
– 1/2 cup chardonnay or other dry white wine
– 2 tbsp tomato paste
– 700g / 24 oz 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
30 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: Serves 4-6
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat Oven and Cook Pasta
– Preheat oven to 180°C/350°F (160°C fan).
– Cook pasta according to package directions in boiling water seasoned with 2 teaspoons of salt. Drain, rinse briefly under tap water, and set aside to cool.
Season Chicken
– In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian herb mix.
Crisp Bacon
– Place bacon in an unheated large non-stick pan. Turn heat to medium-high; the fat will render, allowing the bacon to cook in its own fat. Cook until light golden, then remove onto paper towels, leaving the fat in the pan. Once cool, cut bacon into 1 cm / 1/3″ pieces.
Cook Chicken
– If there’s less than 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan, add olive oil to make up the difference. Increase heat to high. Add seasoned chicken and cook for 3 minutes until light golden on the outside but still raw inside. Remove chicken with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Prepare Sauce
– In the same pan, sauté onion and garlic for 1 minute. Add chili flakes and oregano; cook for 2 minutes until onion is translucent.
– Add wine and simmer rapidly for 1-2 minutes until mostly evaporated.
– Stir in tomato paste; cook for 1 minute.
– Add tomato passata, using the 1/2 cup water to rinse out the bottle and add to the pan. Season with salt and pepper.
– Return chicken (including any juices) to the pan. Mix and simmer for 5 minutes on medium heat.
Combine Ingredients
– Add baby spinach, tomatoes, cooked pasta, and bacon to the sauce. Toss well to combine.
Assemble and Bake
– Transfer mixture to a 23 x 33 cm / 9 x 13″ baking dish.
– Top with shredded mozzarella, then sprinkle with parmesan.
– Bake for 25 minutes until cheese is melted with some golden spots.
Serve
– Let the dish stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Cooking Tips
– Ensure the chicken is cooked properly by checking that it reaches an internal temperature of at least 75°C/165°F.
– Adjust seasoning according to your taste preference.
Storage Instructions
– Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
– This dish is also suitable for freezing. Cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container; it can be stored for up to 3 months.
Variations
– For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with mushrooms or a plant-based protein.
– Feel free to add or replace vegetables according to seasonal availability or personal preference.
Cook techniques
Preheating the Oven
Preheating the oven is essential for even cooking. Set your oven to the appropriate temperature before starting the rest of your cooking.
Cooking Pasta
Cook pasta in boiling salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse to prevent sticking, ensuring it holds up well in your dish.
Seasoning Chicken
Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian herbs for enhanced flavor. Marinating for even a short time can elevate taste.
Crisping Bacon
Start cooking bacon in a cold pan to allow the fat to render properly. Cook until golden and crispy for the best texture and flavor.
Sautéing Aromatics
Sauté onions and garlic in fat until fragrant and translucent for a flavorful base. This technique builds depth in your sauce.
Deglazing with Wine
Use wine to deglaze your pan, scraping up browned bits for added flavor. Simmer until the wine mostly evaporates to concentrate its essence.
Combining Ingredients
Gently toss the cooked pasta, chicken, bacon, spinach, and tomatoes with the sauce to evenly coat each ingredient without breaking them.
Assembling the Dish
Layer the mixture in a baking dish, finishing with cheese on top. This helps create a gooey, melted texture that complements the dish.
Baking
Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, allowing it to develop golden spots for enhanced flavor and visual appeal.
FAQ
Can I use different types of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute with other pasta shapes like penne, elbow macaroni, or shells.
What can I use instead of chicken thighs?
You can use chicken breasts or any preferred protein, but cooking times may vary.
How do I make this dish vegetarian?
Omit the chicken and bacon, and use vegetable broth instead of wine for a flavorful sauce.
Can I freeze this pasta bake?
Yes, you can freeze it before baking. Just allow it to cool before wrapping tightly and storing.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add more chili flakes or some diced fresh chili to your sauce or adjust according to your taste preference.
Conclusion
This seasoned chicken pasta bake is a hearty and delicious dish, combining tender chicken, crispy bacon, and flavorful cheese amidst the comforting embrace of pasta and rich tomato sauce. It’s an ideal meal for family gatherings or a cozy night in, effortlessly satisfying and packed with nutrition thanks to the addition of spinach and tomatoes.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetable Pasta Bake
Substitute the chicken and bacon with a variety of vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. You can also include some chickpeas for added protein.
Spicy Chicken and Chorizo Bake
Add sliced chorizo or any spicy sausage to the dish for an extra kick. Increase the amount of chili flakes for more heat, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Bake
Incorporate fresh or frozen broccoli alongside the spinach for added texture and nutrients. Add extra mozzarella and cheddar for a double-cheese experience.
Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake
Replace the tomato sauce with a rich basil pesto. Toss in sun-dried tomatoes and artichokes for an Italian twist, creating a flavorful and aromatic bake.
Lasagna-Style Bake
Use lasagna sheets instead of pasta. Layer the chicken, sauce, and cheese in between the sheets, similar to a typical lasagna, for a delightful variation on traditional flavors.
Creamy Alfredo Chicken Bake
Transform the sauce by using a creamy Alfredo sauce instead of the tomato base. Add broccoli and peas for a touch of color and flavor in this comforting bake.
