Recipes For Chicken And Bacon Pasta Bake

Make this cheesy chicken bacon pasta bake for a simple family dinner. Comforting, easy to prepare, and freezer-friendly, it's perfect for a weeknight meal!

This easy chicken pasta bake features crispy bacon, juicy chicken bites, al dente pasta, a rich tomato sauce, and a creamy, cheesy topping.

The beauty of a simple pasta bake (or pasta casserole) is that it's really easy to make, can be prepared ahead, and can feed a family with minimum effort.

Chicken Ranch Pasta Bake

If you're a fan of pasta bakes, then you should also give it a try to this creamy tuna pasta bake and simple and delicious Caprese pasta bake.

Most pasta shapes will go well with this chicken pasta dish. Fusilli, spaghetti, fusilli and of course penne are the best options.

Its unique texture makes it the best vehicle for a great sauce. It also keeps thepasta “al dente”easier than non-bronze cut pasta.

Creamy Chicken And Bacon Pasta Bake

I like to use smoked bacon streaky rashers and cut them into small stripes, you can also use unsmoked bacon or smoked lardons.

I use a mix of grated mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. The mix gives that creamy cheesy topping and adds extra umami flavor (thanks to the Parmigiano Reggiano!).

Cut the mozzarella into chunks then pat them dry with kitchen paper, so that your pasta bake doesn't end up too watery.

Chicken And Bacon Pasta With Spinach And Tomatoes In Garlic Cream Sauce

It takes about 10 minutes of active cooking time, then you transfer the pasta in the oven and let it cook until creamy, crispy, cheesy, and delicious.

I personally prefer to reheat it in a hot oven for 4-5 minutes, rather than in the microwave, as it keeps its crunchy texture much better.

I love making a big batch and store into portions. Divide the pasta into individual freezer-friendly containers and store in the freezer.

Cheesy Pasta Bake With Chicken And Bacon

Let the pasta thaw in the fridge overnight then reheat it in a hot oven to 150 C /300 F, for about 15 minutes.

You can safely freeze it. I love to make a big batch store it in individual freezer-friendly containers in the freezer. They keep well for about 1 month (but usually disappear earlier than that).

Yes, you can. I personally prefer to reheat it in a hot oven for 4-5 minutes, rather than in the microwave, as it keeps its crunchy texture much better.

Baked Chicken And Bacon Pasta

Calories: 386 kcal | Carbohydrates: 25 g | Protein: 30 g | Fat: 18 g | Saturated Fat: 8 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8 g | Trans Fat: 1 g | Cholesterol: 67 mg | Sodium: 1039 mg | Potassium: 479 mg | Fiber: 2 g | Sugar: 3 g | Vitamin A: 567 IU | Vitamin C: 5 mg | Calcium: 368 mg | Iron: 2 mg

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.Creamy, cheesy and so comforting! This family-friendly creamy chicken and bacon pasta bake recipe is indulgent, easy and the perfect pasta bake to feed a crowd.

With plenty of creamy goodness, this pasta bake is definitely saucy and never dry! What's more, this recipe makes enough for 8 servings so are perfect leftovers too!

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Recipe: How To Make It

A little different to my simpler 25-minute Creamy Chicken Pasta with Bacon, this version is not only baked with a generous layer of golden cheese on top, it also uses fresh tomatoes which adds complexity and depth to the creamy sauce.

For lighter pasta recipes, try my healthy, no cream Creamy Mushroom Pasta (yes, you read that right!), 15-minute Garlic Prawn Pasta, Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake (just 540 calories per serving!) and 20-minute Healthy Creamy Prawn Pasta.

Like many pasta recipes, the first thing you've got to do is to get the pasta going. I like using penne pasta, feel free to use spiral, shell or whatever shapes you prefer.

Speedy Chicken And Bacon Pasta Recipe

Cook pasta according to packet instructions and make sure to season the pasta cooking water with plenty of salt. This makes a huge difference to the overall dish.

Brown chicken breasts on high heat, flipping once, about 1 minute per side. This will partially cook the chicken and add caramelisation which means depth of flavour!

When browning the chicken, spread the chicken into one single layer and season with salt and pepper. Since 1 kg (2 pounds) of chicken is used in this recipe, you'll have to do this in 2 batches or 3 depending on the size of your pan.

Cheesy Pasta Bake With Chicken, Bacon And Mushroom

Then, in the same pan, saute onions and garlic on medium heat for about 1 minute. Add in the diced bacon and saute on high heat until bacon starts to caramelise and turn lightly golden. This will take about 4 to 5 minutes.

Now, add in chopped tomatoes and cook for about 3 minutes or until tomatoes starts to soften. Stir occasionally for even cooking.

To bring it all together, add the chicken back into the pan with its juices and season with paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme and sugar.

Thermomix Creamy Chicken Bacon Pasta Bake

Stir fry on high heat for about 1 minute for all the ingredients to get to know each other then pour in heavy cream and sour cream (or yoghurt if using). Bring up to a simmer then turn the heat off.

In a large casserole baking dish, combine pasta and chicken and bacon creamy sauce. I used the standard sized one at approx. 23x33cm (9x11inch) which fits perfectly.

Bake at 220°C/430°F for about 15 minutes on the middle shelf of the oven or until the cheese blisters and turns golden.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Casserole

Allow the baked pasta casserole to rest for about 10 minutes (just like you would a Chicken and Mushroom Pie or a Lasagna!). This allows time for the delicious creamy sauce to settle into the pasta so it tastes amazing!

Look at that golden, crispy cheese on top of the chicken and bacon pasta bake! This is what comfort food is all about - no skimping on all the goodness, the cream, the cheese and of course, flavour!

Absolutely yes for this recipe. Unless you're making one-pot wonders such as my super easy One-Pot Sausage Pasta Bake or a classic Lasagna.

Chicken Pasta Bake

If reheating in the microwave or in the oven, make sure to cover the dish tight to prevent moisture from escaping. Another trick is to splash in some water and roughly mix to add moisture into the pasta.

Anything you want! Some suggestions are: serve with garlic bread, a simple Greek salad or a garden salad. Check out below for more suggestions.

Since this chicken and bacon pasta bake is quite rich on its own and quite filling, opt for a contrasting, refreshing side. Below are some suggestions:

Caramelized Onion Bacon Pasta Bake

Keeps well in airtight containers for up to 3 to 4 days in the fridge or 2 to 6 months in the freezer.

Reheating is simple enough, you can reheat it in the microwave, on the stove or in the oven. To reheat in the oven, loosely cover the pasta with a damp paper towel to prevent it from drying out in the heating process.

To reheat in the oven, place the pasta into an oven-safe dish and tightly wrap with foil paper (aluminium foil). Reheat in the oven at 180°C/350°F for about 15 to 20 minutes or until warm to your liking.

Cheesy Chicken Pasta Casserole Recipe With Spinach And Bacon

If the pasta is looking a little dry (soaked up by the pasta!), simply mix in a splash of hot water or chicken stock before reheating. This goes for any reheating method.

Made this recipe?Let me know your thoughts or questions by dropping a note in the comments section below! I'd love to hear from you. 🙂

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Bacon Chicken Pasta Recipe

Creamy, cheesy and so comforting! This family-friendly creamy chicken and bacon pasta bake recipe is indulgent, easy and the perfect pasta bake to feed a crowd. Fantastic leftovers too!

1. Middle bacon. Since this is a rich and indulgent recipe, opt for middle bacon or short cut (aka back bacon) and not streaky bacon. Middle bacon is leaner and way less fatty than streaky bacon. If you're using streaky bacon, I recommend discarding the excess bacon drip (or save for other cooking adventures) to prevent this pasta from becoming too oily.

2. Use chicken or vegetable stock powder instead of salt to season the sauce. This will add more oomph and depth of flavour into the pasta casserole! It's a useful trick I love using and one I swear by when making a simple Prawn Fried Rice!

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole • Salt & Lavender

3. Only turn the chicken once when searing. The key here is to sear on the highest heat possible. About 1 minute per side is all that's needed and do not stir the chicken or turn it more than once. Stirring or turning the chicken often will promote excess moisture to be released from the chicken. This stops the searing process and you end up with watery chicken in the pan.

4. Brown the chicken breasts in 2 or 3 batches. Just like stirring, overcrowding in the pan will drop the temperature of the pan and lead to watery chicken. It'll be impossible to get any golden searing when the pan