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+ servings
Chicken pasta bake

Comforting Chicken Pasta Bake for Cozy Family Nights

This Chicken Pasta Bake is a cozy family dinner, combining tender chicken, crispy bacon, and rich tomato sauce for a delightful meal.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 300 grams Rigatoni (or comparable pasta) A sturdy shape that holds sauce well
For the Chicken and Bacon
  • 500 grams Chicken Thighs Juicy and tender, perfect for baking
  • 200 grams Bacon Adds richness and a delightful crunch
For the Sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Cooking/Kosher Salt Enhances flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Freshly ground delivers the best taste
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Provides depth
  • 1 tablespoon Italian Herb Mix A blend that adds a traditional flavor
  • 2 cloves Garlic Cloves Fresh cloves bring a vibrant flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano Earthy flavoring
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Flakes Introduce warmth or omit for a milder dish
  • 150 ml White Wine (Chardonnay) Adds depth and richness to the sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste Thickens the sauce and enhances tomato flavor
  • 500 grams Tomato Passata Forms the sauce base
  • 2 medium Fresh Tomatoes Choose Roma or vine-ripened for optimal flavor
For the Finishing Touches
  • 100 grams Baby Spinach Boosts nutrition and color
  • 200 grams Mozzarella Cheese Offers creaminess and stretch
  • 50 grams Parmesan Cheese Adds a rich flavor
Other Essentials
  • 100 ml Water To rinse out the tomato passata container

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • non-stick pan
  • Baking Dish

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook your rigatoni pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse.
  3. Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat and cook the chopped bacon until golden and crispy for 5-7 minutes. Remove and leave the rendered fat.
  4. In the same pan, sear seasoned chicken thighs for 6-8 minutes until golden brown. Set aside.
  5. Sauté finely chopped onion and minced garlic in the same pan until translucent. Add chili flakes and oregano, cook for another minute. Pour in white wine and simmer for 3 minutes. Stir in tomato paste, passata, and add the chicken. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  6. Fold in spinach, diced tomatoes, and rigatoni into the sauce. Add crispy bacon and stir gently.
  7. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes until cheese is bubbling and golden. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingsCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 540mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 900IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Feel free to customize ingredients according to your family's preferences. Enjoy your comforting Chicken Pasta Bake!

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