How to Make a Delicious Chicken Pasta Bake

Chicken pasta bake is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken pieces with creamy pasta and vegetables. This versatile recipe can be served as a main course for busy weeknight dinners or as a hearty side dish at picnics.

This chicken pasta bake will satisfy your taste buds, making it perfect for dinner parties, potlucks, or even quick family meals. The cooking time for this dish is approximately 50 minutes, and the number of servings can be adjusted depending on how much you would like to prepare—typically, a batch serves about 4-6 people.

Ingredients

To make this delicious chicken pasta bake, gather all your ingredients. You will need:

• 1 pound (450g) uncooked pasta
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 tablespoons butter or olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon dried basil or oregano (optional)
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed or fresh (optional)

Preparation Steps

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil the pasta according to package instructions. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the chicken mixture.

1. Melt the butter or olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
3. Toss in the bite-sized pieces of chicken, salt, pepper, dried basil (if using), flour, and condensed cream of mushroom soup. Stir well to coat all ingredients evenly with the flour mixture.
4. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink inside, about 7-10 minutes.
5. Transfer the cooked chicken mixture into a large mixing bowl. Add in the thawed or fresh peas and carrots (if using). Mix gently but thoroughly to combine all elements evenly.
6. Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the bowl along with the boiled pasta. Stir until everything is well combined.

Once you have prepared your chicken pasta bake mixture, it's time to assemble your dish for baking:

6. Pour the prepared chicken and pasta mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
7. Cover with aluminum foil, making sure it is sealed tightly around the edges. This helps in retaining moisture while cooking.
8. Bake for about 25 minutes at 375°F (190°C).

After removing your chicken pasta bake from the oven, uncover and let it sit uncovered for another 25 minutes or until thoroughly heated through. If desired, sprinkle more Parmesan cheese over top before serving.

Nutritional Information

The nutritional information per serving (assuming you divide the entire batch among 6 servings) is approximately:

• Calories: 400 kcal
• Total Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5g
• Total Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 6g
• Protein: 20g
• Sodium: 700mg

Tips and Variations

To make this dish more nutritious, consider substituting some of the pasta with whole wheat noodles. You could also experiment by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to enhance flavor layers.

For a creamier version without using cream of mushroom soup, use half-and-half instead. This adjustment allows for a richer texture while maintaining health benefits associated with fewer added sugars and fats compared to condensed soups.

Cooking Tips

To achieve the perfect chicken pasta bake, follow these tips:

• Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting your dish. This helps in better mixing and cooking consistency.
• Do not overcrowd the baking dish; leave some space between layers of ingredients to allow even heating during baking.
• When using fresh vegetables, ensure they're well washed to avoid introducing unwanted bacteria or dirt into your dish.

A homemade chicken pasta bake is not only delicious but also a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken. It’s simple enough for beginners yet offers opportunities for creativity through ingredient substitutions and additions. Whether served as part of a main course or side dish, this meal promises satisfaction for everyone at the table.