Cheesy Chicken and Bacon Pasta Bake

Name: Cheesy Chicken and Bacon Pasta Bake
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 80 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: {'group': 'Main', 'item': '400g dried rigatoni pasta'}; {'group': 'Main', 'item': '1 tbsp sunflower oil'}; {'group': 'Main', 'item': '600g chicken breasts, cut into bite-size chunks'}; {'group': 'Main', 'item': '1 large onion, chopped'}; {'group': 'Main', 'item': '1 red bell pepper, chopped'}; {'group': 'Main', 'item': '1 yellow bell pepper, chopped'}; {'group': 'Main', 'item': '6 rashers cooked bacon, chopped'}; {'group': 'Sauce', 'item': '2 garlic cloves, minced'}; {'group': 'Sauce', 'item': '1 tbsp tomato purée'}; {'group': 'Sauce', 'item': '1/2 tsp dried oregano'}; {'group': 'Sauce', 'item': '1/2 tsp dried thyme'}; {'group': 'Sauce', 'item': '2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes'}; {'group': 'Sauce', 'item': '120ml double cream'}; {'group': 'Main', 'item': '100g baby spinach'}; {'group': 'Topping', 'item': '100g grated mature Cheddar'}; {'group': 'Topping', 'item': '100g grated mozzarella'}; {'group': 'Garnish', 'item': 'Small bunch of flat-leaf parsley, torn'}

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Indulge in this Cheesy Chicken and Bacon Pasta Bake, a comforting dish featuring tender chicken and crispy bacon mixed with rigatoni in a creamy cheese sauce. Perfect for a family dinner!

556 kcal /serving 25 mins Serves 8 Medium Italian

Ingredients

Metric Imperial

{'group': 'Main', 'item': '400g dried rigatoni pasta'}
{'group': 'Main', 'item': '1 tbsp sunflower oil'}
{'group': 'Main', 'item': '600g chicken breasts, cut into bite-size chunks'}
{'group': 'Main', 'item': '1 large onion, chopped'}
{'group': 'Main', 'item': '1 red bell pepper, chopped'}
{'group': 'Main', 'item': '1 yellow bell pepper, chopped'}
{'group': 'Main', 'item': '6 rashers cooked bacon, chopped'}
{'group': 'Sauce', 'item': '2 garlic cloves, minced'}
{'group': 'Sauce', 'item': '1 tbsp tomato purée'}
{'group': 'Sauce', 'item': '1/2 tsp dried oregano'}
{'group': 'Sauce', 'item': '1/2 tsp dried thyme'}
{'group': 'Sauce', 'item': '2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes'}
{'group': 'Sauce', 'item': '120ml double cream'}
{'group': 'Main', 'item': '100g baby spinach'}
{'group': 'Topping', 'item': '100g grated mature Cheddar'}
{'group': 'Topping', 'item': '100g grated mozzarella'}
{'group': 'Garnish', 'item': 'Small bunch of flat-leaf parsley, torn'}

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F (190°C)).
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the rigatoni for 1 minute less than the package instructions.
Drain and set aside.

Cooking

Heat the sunflower oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chicken pieces and sauté for about 5 minutes until just sealed.
Add the chopped onion and cook for another 3-4 minutes until softened.
Stir in the bell peppers, garlic, tomato purée, oregano, and thyme, cooking for 2-3 minutes.
Pour in the chopped tomatoes and cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Add the cooked pasta, spinach, and bacon, stirring to combine.
Transfer everything to a large baking dish.

Plating & Serving

Top the pasta mixture with grated Cheddar and mozzarella.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is golden brown.
Remove from the oven and garnish with torn parsley before serving.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with zucchini or mushrooms and omit the bacon or substitute with vegetarian chorizo. Leftovers can be refrigerated and served cold or reheated in the microwave.

Suggested Sides

green salad

Nutrition per Serving

556 Calories

34.4g Protein 29% DV

47.4g Carbs 16% DV

25.3g Fat 32% DV

4.9g Fiber 13% DV

6.1g Sugars

480mg Sodium 32% DV

108mg Cholesterol 31% DV

Health Labels

Sugar Conscious Egg Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free Fish Free Shellfish Free Crustacean Free Celery Free Mustard Free Sesame Free Lupine Free Mollusk Free Alcohol Free No Sugar Added Sulphite Free

* Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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