Calling all pasta lovers! This recipe is a flavor explosion waiting to happen. Imagine tender penne bathed in a creamy tomato sauce, bursting with juicy chicken and a blanket of melted mozzarella cheese. Sounds incredible, right? And the best part? It all comes together in just one pan for minimal cleanup!
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, casual get-togethers, or simply satisfying those pasta cravings. So ditch the takeout menus and embrace the ease and deliciousness of this one-pan baked pasta masterpiece!
Ingredients:
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast (approximately 140g)
- ½ large onion, chopped (around 130g)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (around 10g)
- Pinch of salt (about 2g)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ large tomato, chopped (approximately 130g)
- 7 tablespoons tomato spaghetti sauce (130g)
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference)
For the Penne:
- 500 ml water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 80g penne pasta
For the Milk Sauce:
- 30g butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (20g)
- 240 ml milk
For the Topping:
- 140g grated mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
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Chicken Gets Cookin’: In a large pan over medium heat, cook your chicken breast until it’s fully cooked through. Once done, remove it from the pan and chop it into bite-sized pieces. Set the chopped chicken aside for later.
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Sautéing the Veggies: In the same pan you cooked the chicken, add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté them over medium heat until the onions become translucent and softened.
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Building the Tomato Sauce: Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato spaghetti sauce, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes to the pan with the softened onions and garlic. Give it a good stir to combine all the ingredients, and then let it simmer for 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and develop.
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Chicken Returns: Once the sauce has simmered, add the cooked and chopped chicken back into the pan. Stir well to incorporate the chicken into the sauce. Set this flavorful tomato sauce mixture aside for now.
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Pasta Time!: In a large pot, bring 500 ml of water to a boil. Add a teaspoon of salt and then your penne pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente (cooked but still firm to the bite). Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
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Milk Sauce Magic: In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for a minute, stirring constantly. This roux will be the base for your creamy milk sauce.
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Whisk Away the Lumps: Gradually whisk in the milk to the roux, a little bit at a time, while continuously stirring. This will prevent any lumps from forming in your sauce. Keep whisking and cooking until the sauce thickens up to your desired consistency.
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The Grand Assembly: Preheat your oven to 230°C (446°F). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and drained penne pasta, the prepared tomato sauce with chicken, and the creamy milk sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the delicious mixture.
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Baking Dish Love: Transfer the combined ingredients from the mixing bowl to a baking dish (approximately 8 cm in diameter and 4 cm in height).
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Cheesy Goodness: Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta in the baking dish. This will create that delightful cheesy crust we all love.
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Baking Bliss: Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to melt and become golden brown on top.
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Time to Devour!: Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove the baked pasta from the oven. Let it cool slightly before serving to avoid any burnt tongues. Then, dig in and enjoy this incredible one-pan wonder!
More Information:
For a vegetarian option, simply omit the chicken breast or use a plant-based substitute.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Feel free to experiment with different herbs
Conclusion
So ditch the multiple pots and pans, and embrace the convenience of this one-pan baked pasta! It delivers restaurant-worthy flavors in a fraction of the time and cleanup. This creamy tomato sauce, tender penne, juicy chicken, and a blanket of melted cheese come together in perfect harmony, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So, ditch the takeout menus and impress your family or friends with this delightful baked pasta masterpiece!