This recipe features spaghetti tossed with crispy bacon and tender chicken in a rich, creamy sauce, topped with melted mozzarella, and baked to golden perfection. It’s a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a family meal.
Preparation time: 20 minutes Cook time: 45 minutes (including baking) Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- Pasta: 300g spaghetti
- Bacon: 200g bacon, chopped
- Chicken: 300g chicken fillet, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Seasoning for Chicken: Salt, dried ground sweet paprika, spices for meat (such as garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning – use your preference)
- Vegetables: 1 leek (white and light green parts only), sliced; 1 raw sweet pepper (bell pepper), chopped; 2 tomatoes, chopped
- Cream Sauce: 40g butter; 30g all-purpose flour; 600ml milk; Salt to taste; Ground black pepper to taste; Dried ground nutmeg to taste
- Cheese: 100g hard mozzarella cheese, grated
- Other: Water; Vegetable oil; Salt to taste
Directions:
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in 1 the pan.
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Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt, paprika, and your chosen meat spices. Add a little vegetable oil to the skillet with the bacon fat (if needed) and cook the chicken until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, using the remaining bacon fat (or add a little vegetable oil if needed), sauté the sliced leek until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the chopped bell pepper and cook for another 3-5 minutes until slightly tender. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes more.
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Make the Cream Sauce: Melt the butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to make a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. Season with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg to taste.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta, bacon, and chicken to the skillet with the cream sauce. Stir to combine everything.
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Prepare for Baking: Preheat oven to 180°C (355°F).
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Add Cheese and Bake: Pour the pasta mixture into a baking dish. Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
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Serve: Let the pasta bake cool slightly before serving.
Nutritional Facts (Approximate, per serving – based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 500-600
- Fat: 25-35g
- Saturated Fat: 15-20g
- Cholesterol: 100-120mg
- Sodium: 800-1000mg (depending on salt added)
- Carbohydrates: 50-60g
- Protein: 25-35g
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on ingredient brands, portion sizes, and specific ingredients used.
The Origins and Popularity of Pasta Bakes:
Pasta bakes, a comforting and convenient dish, have a long history rooted in Italian cuisine. While the exact origins are debated, it’s clear that combining pasta with sauces, meats, and cheeses has been a culinary tradition for centuries. Baked pasta dishes gained popularity as a way to use up leftover ingredients and create a hearty and satisfying meal. The addition of creamy sauces and melted cheese further elevated these dishes, transforming them into crowd-pleasing favorites. Pasta bakes became a staple in home kitchens and restaurants alike, appreciated for their versatility, ease of preparation, and rich flavors. They are a popular choice for family gatherings and potlucks.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This creamy chicken and bacon pasta bake is the ultimate comfort food. The combination of savory bacon, tender chicken, and a creamy, cheesy sauce is simply irresistible. It’s a relatively easy recipe to follow, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken.
Health Benefits:
While this dish is delicious, it’s important to remember that it is high in fat and calories. It should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. It does provide protein from the chicken and bacon, and some calcium from the cheese and milk.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the pasta bake hot from the oven.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a touch of freshness.
- Serve with a side salad or some crusty bread.
Tips:
- Don’t overcook the pasta; it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Use good quality cheese for the best flavor.
- Adjust the seasonings to your preference.
- You can assemble the pasta bake ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to eat.
Variations to Try:
- Vegetarian Pasta Bake: Omit the bacon and chicken and add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli.
- Spicy Pasta Bake: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
- Different Cheese: Use a different type of cheese, such as cheddar, Gruyere, or Parmesan.
- Different Pasta: Use a different type of pasta, such as penne, rigatoni, or farfalle.
Conclusion:
This creamy chicken and bacon pasta bake is a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make, customizable to your liking, and sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the pasta bake ahead of time and refrigerate it. Add about 15-20 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
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Can I freeze the pasta bake? It’s best to eat this fresh. Freezing and reheating can affect the texture of the sauce and pasta.
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Can I use different vegetables? Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables.
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Can I use different meat? Yes, you could use sausage, ground beef, or ham instead of chicken and bacon.
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How do I reheat leftover pasta bake? Reheat it in the oven or microwave until heated through.
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Can I make this vegetarian? Yes, simply omit the meat and add more vegetables.
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How do I prevent the sauce from being too thick? Make sure you whisk the flour into the melted butter thoroughly to create a smooth roux before adding the milk.
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Can I use low-fat milk? Yes, but the sauce won’t be as creamy.
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How do I know when the pasta bake is done? The cheese should be melted and golden brown, and the pasta should be heated through.
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What if I don’t have mozzarella cheese? You can use another melting cheese, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack.