Creamy Chicken & Bacon Pasta Bake

This easy Chicken & Bacon pasta bake is the perfect solution for a speedy and satisfying dinner. Its vibrant appearance and amazing flavour are sure to leave everyone craving more!

Servings: 4

Difficulty: Easy

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Gluten-Free Option Available

Ingredients

• 250g spiral pasta (uncooked)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 diced red onion

• 2 minced garlic cloves

• 2 bacon rashers (diced)

• 2 large chicken breasts (cut into small chunks)

• 1 diced red capsicum

• 2 tablespoons Rafiki seasoning

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 1 cup chicken stock

• 1 cup thickened cream

• 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

• 1.5 cups grated mozzarella cheese

• Optional: Parsley for garnish

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 190c/ 170c fan.

2. Cook the spiral pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches "al dente" texture. Drain and set it aside, keeping 1/4 cup of pasta water.

3. While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in an ovenproof skillet. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until it softens.

4. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 2 minutes until it becomes fragrant.

5. Toss in the diced bacon and cook until it starts to turn golden. Then, add the chopped chicken, mix it with the bacon, and introduce the Rafiki seasoning and diced capsicum. Stir everything together and cook for a few minutes before incorporating the tomato paste.

6. Pour in the chicken stock, simmer for 2-3 minutes, and then reduce the heat to a low simmer. Add the cream, Parmesan cheese, and season to taste. Stir thoroughly.

7. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the reserved pasta water. Quickly mix to ensure even coating. Toss in half a cup of grated mozzarella cheese and stir again.

8. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the pasta bake and place it in the oven. Bake for 15 minutes or until the cheese becomes golden and bubbly.

9. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Hints & tips

Make gluten free – Use your favourite gluten free pasta to make this dish suitable for a GF diet. Cook to al dente, this will help stop the pasta becoming mushy.

What’s Al Dente - "Al dente" is an Italian term that translates to "to the tooth" in English. It is used primarily in cooking to describe the texture of pasta, rice, or vegetables that are cooked so they are still firm when bitten. When pasta is cooked al dente, it should be tender but with a slight resistance or "bite" to it, rather than being soft or overcooked. Achieving an al dente texture is often considered ideal for many pasta dishes because it adds a pleasing texture and prevents the pasta from becoming mushy. The exact cooking time for achieving al dente can vary depending on the type and thickness of the pasta, so it's typically recommended to follow the package instructions or taste a small piece to determine when it's ready.

 Easy swaps/ add ins – Chicken thighs would be an easy alternative in this dish.

Add in extra veggies such as grated zucchini or spinach for a veggie boost.

 Serving suggestion – This tasty creamy chicken and bacon pasta bake would be an excellent companion to a straightforward salad or a side of coleslaw. And, of course, you can't go wrong with some garlic bread to soak up every last bit of that delicious sauce!

 Portion size – Serves 4 or 2 with leftovers. Leftovers make a quick and yummy lunch/ lunch box idea.

 Storage – Store in the fridge for 3 days. Suitable for freezing.