Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

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This Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, savory tomato paste, tangy Greek yogurt, and gooey melted cheese. The rich and creamy sauce, paired with pasta, makes this dish hearty and satisfying. It’s easy to make and perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. Here’s how to prepare it:

Ingredients:

For the Chicken and Sauce:

2 tablespoons Greek Yogurt
1 tablespoon Tomato Paste

1 teaspoon Mustard
2 cloves Garlic, minced
Olive Oil

Salt, to taste
Ground Black Pepper, to taste
Chicken Breast (approximately 2 breasts)

1 Onion, chopped
Cherry Tomatoes, halved (about 8-10 tomatoes)
7 oz (200 g) Cheese, shredded (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)

For the Pasta:

7 oz (200 g) Pasta (penne, fusilli, or your favorite type)
Salt, for boiling the pasta

For the Sauce:

1 tablespoon Butter

1 tablespoon Flour
1/2 cup (120 ml) Milk
2 tablespoons Cream Cheese or Mascarpone

Salt, to taste
Paprika, to taste

For Topping:

2.4 oz (70 g) Cheese, shredded (optional for extra cheesy topping)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken breasts for about 6-8 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan, set it aside to cool slightly, and then slice it into thin strips or cubes.

2. Make the Sauce:

In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil if needed, and sauté the chopped onion over medium heat until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in 1 tablespoon tomato paste and 1 teaspoon mustard, mixing until well combined. Cook for about 2-3 minutes.
Add the sliced cherry tomatoes and cook until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes.

3. Prepare the Pasta:

In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add salt. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.

4. Make the Creamy Sauce:

In a separate saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat.
Add 1 tablespoon flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to make a roux.

Gradually add 1/2 cup milk, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens and forms a smooth sauce.
Stir in 2 tablespoons cream cheese or mascarpone, and season with salt and paprika to taste. Mix until smooth and creamy.

5. Combine Everything:

Preheat your oven to 360°F (180°C).

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, sautéed tomato mixture, and creamy sauce. Stir until everything is evenly coated.

6. Bake:

Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle 7 oz (200 g) shredded cheese over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Add Final Topping:

Optionally, sprinkle 2.4 oz (70 g) shredded cheese on top during the last 5 minutes of baking for an extra cheesy crust.

8. Serve:

Once baked, let the dish cool for a few minutes. Serve the creamy chicken pasta bake warm, garnished with fresh herbs or more cheese if desired.

Serving Suggestions:

With a Side Salad: Serve the bake with a side of crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
Garlic Bread: This dish pairs beautifully with garlic bread or toasted bread for a hearty meal.

With Steamed Vegetables: Serve alongside steamed broccoli or green beans for added vegetables.

Cooking Tips:

Use Leftover Chicken: If you have leftover cooked chicken, you can use that to speed up the preparation process. Just shred or dice it and add it to the sauce.
Customize the Cheese: Feel free to use your favorite cheese for this recipe. Mozzarella provides a nice melty texture, while cheddar adds sharpness and flavor.

Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a creamier sauce, you can add more cream cheese or mascarpone. Alternatively, use a bit more milk for a thinner sauce.
Make it Spicy: For some heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a bit of jalapeño to the sauce.

Variations to Try:

Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and use tofu or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian option.

Spicy Chicken Pasta Bake: Add a bit of hot sauce or chili powder to the sauce to give the dish a spicy kick.
Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free alternative, ensuring the rest of the ingredients are also gluten-free.
Different Vegetables: Add vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to the pasta bake for extra nutrition and flavor.

Conclusion:

This Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake is a versatile, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With tender chicken, creamy sauce, and melted cheese, it’s sure to become a family favorite. The addition of fresh cherry tomatoes and a touch of mustard gives the dish a nice depth of flavor, while the rich cheese topping adds a delicious finish. Enjoy this comforting meal any night of the week!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the pasta bake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it in the oven before serving.

Can I freeze this dish? Yes, you can freeze the baked pasta for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before freezing, then reheat in the oven when ready to serve.
Can I make this dish vegetarian? Yes, simply omit the chicken and substitute with tofu, chickpeas, or other plant-based proteins. You can also add more vegetables for added texture.
How do I prevent the cheese from becoming too dry? Cover the baking dish with foil for the first part of baking to keep the cheese from drying out. Remove the foil in the last 10 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and brown nicely.

Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! This recipe works well with any type of pasta, including penne, fusilli, rigatoni, or bowtie pasta.
What can I use instead of cream cheese or mascarpone? You can use ricotta cheese or Greek yogurt for a lighter alternative.
How can I make this dish spicier? Add red pepper flakes, chili powder, or some finely chopped jalapeños to the sauce for extra heat.

Can I use store-bought tomato sauce instead of tomato paste? Yes, you can substitute tomato paste with store-bought tomato sauce, but reduce the amount to avoid making the dish too watery.