Description
Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake
Add crispy bacon to your chicken pasta bake for an extra savory twist!
Ingredients:
500g rotini pasta
4 chicken thighs
1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup cheddar cheese
4 slices crispy bacon, crumbled
1 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions:
Cook pasta until al dente and set aside. Season chicken with paprika, then sear.
Mix marinara and pasta in a baking dish, layer with chicken, bacon, and cheese.
Bake at 200°C for 25 minutes.
Bacon makes everything better!
#BaconChickenBake
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake every time.
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook for 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions for al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, pat the chicken thighs dry and season generously on both sides with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown. They do not need to be fully cooked through. Remove, let cool slightly, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine the drained pasta and the marinara sauce, tossing until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Transfer the saucy pasta to the prepared baking dish. Spread it into an even layer.
- Top the pasta evenly with the chopped chicken and crumbled crispy bacon.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses over the entire dish.
- Bake, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to brown in spots.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty bake is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a vegetable side, try roasted broccoli or garlic breadsticks for dipping into the cheesy edges.
How-to Summary
Cook pasta al dente. Sear paprika-seasoned chicken. Mix pasta with sauce in a dish. Top with chicken, bacon, and cheese. Bake at 200°C for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yes, but chicken breasts can dry out faster. Reduce searing time to 3-4 minutes per side and consider covering the bake with foil for the first 15 minutes.
What can I use instead of marinara? A creamy Alfredo sauce or a rosé (pink) sauce would be delicious alternatives for a different flavor profile.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or cover the baking dish with foil and warm in a 175°C oven for 15-20 minutes.
Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely. Assemble the dish completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
My cheese is browning too quickly. What should I do? If the top is browning before the bake is heated through, loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil for the remaining cook time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the pasta: It will continue to cook in the oven. Using mushy pasta leads to a soggy final dish.
- Underseasoning the chicken: The paprika seasoning is crucial for flavor. Don’t be shy with salt and pepper.
- Using pre-shredded cheese: These cheeses contain anti-caking agents that prevent them from melting as smoothly. Shredding your own cheese is best.
- Skipping the sear on the chicken: Searing creates a flavorful crust and locks in juices, adding depth to the entire bake.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, crispy bacon, and melted cheese in one satisfying dish. It’s straightforward to prepare, incredibly versatile, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser for both busy weeknights and casual gatherings. The key lies in the simple techniques of perfectly cooking the components before they unite in the oven for a glorious, golden finish. Give this recipe a try—it’s a guaranteed hit that proves bacon really does make everything better.
