Description
This Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake is the perfect combination of comfort and flavor! Juicy chicken mince, tender pasta, and a rich, cheesy cream sauce come together to create a dish that’s satisfying and easy to make. Baked to golden perfection, this casserole is a family-friendly meal that’s great for weeknights or meal prep. Serve it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete and delicious dinner!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta Bake:
- 250g small noodles
- 400g chicken mince
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 paprika, diced
- 2 celery sticks, chopped
- 200g tomato paste
- 8 cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tsp oregano
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley to taste
- 500g cream (12% fat)
- 20g flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 100g grated cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion, garlic, paprika, and celery. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken mince, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and cook until browned.
- Add Tomato Sauce: Stir in the tomato paste and cherry tomatoes. Cook for another 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Make the Cream Sauce: In a separate pan, heat olive oil and whisk in the flour. Slowly pour in the cream, stirring constantly until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Combine Everything: In a baking dish, mix the pasta, chicken mixture, and cream sauce. Stir well to combine.
- Top with Cheese & Bake: Sprinkle grated cheese over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve & Enjoy: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- Pasta Choice: Small noodles work best, but you can use penne, fusilli, or macaroni.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the dish and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freezing: Freeze before baking and cook from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 30–35 minutes.
- Vegetable Additions: Try adding spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrients.
- Cheese Variations: Swap Parmesan, mozzarella, or cheddar for a different flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean