Description
This Easy Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake is a comforting and delicious dish that combines tender shredded chicken, smoky bacon, and a creamy cheese sauce baked to perfection. Perfect for using up leftover chicken, this baked pasta is quick to prepare and ideal for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Meat
- 200 g leftover shredded chicken
- 250 g dried macaroni pasta
- 4 rashers smoked bacon, roughly chopped
Seasoning and Herbs
- Pinch of fine salt
- 2 large garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 tsp finely chopped fresh rosemary
Dairy
- 300 ml pure cream
- 2 tsp salted butter
- 50 g fresh parmesan cheese
- 40 g shredded mozzarella
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C fan forced (355°F) to ensure it’s ready for baking the pasta later.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the macaroni according to the packet instructions, adding a pinch of salt to the water. Cook the pasta for one minute less than recommended to keep it slightly firm. Then drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Add 2 teaspoons of salted butter and stir gently to coat the noodles.
- Cook Bacon and Aromatics: While the pasta cooks, heat a small non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Fry the chopped smoked bacon for 6-8 minutes until crisp. Add the crushed garlic and chopped rosemary to the pan and cook for another minute to release their flavors, then remove from heat.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the bacon and garlic mixture into the pasta pot. Stir to combine thoroughly. Then add the pure cream and grated parmesan cheese, stirring to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce. Finally, fold in the shredded leftover chicken until everything is well incorporated.
- Bake: Transfer the entire chicken and pasta mixture into a baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden with light peaks.
Notes
- Using leftover shredded chicken saves cooking time and adds great flavor.
- You can substitute macaroni with other short pasta shapes like penne or fusilli.
- Be careful not to overcook the pasta initially since it will bake further in the oven.
- For a richer flavor, you can add a touch of nutmeg to the cream sauce.
- The smoked bacon adds depth, but you can omit it for a milder taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Pasta Bake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Western
Keywords: chicken pasta bake, creamy chicken pasta, baked pasta recipe, leftover chicken recipe, comfort food, easy dinner
