Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Bake
Oh my goodness, if you’re in the mood for something truly comforting, you have to try this Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Bake! I mean, the smell alone as it bakes makes the whole house feel like a warm hug. It’s got this lovely blend of tender chicken and pasta swimming in a rich, tomatoey goodness… without any of that heavy cream stuff. Trust me, it’s like a cozy dinner in a dish, perfect for those busy weeknights or for when you just want a little extra comfort on a chilly evening.
Why You’ll Crave It
- The creamy texture without cream—a little culinary magic, right?
- One pot means less washing up! Who doesn’t love that?
- You can toss in veggies or switch up the protein; it’s so versatile.
- This meal just feels like a warm blanket—so comforting!
- Your family, like mine, will definitely be fighting over the last bit!
My family fights over the last helping every single time…
What You’ll Need
- Chicken Breast: 500g, diced, just right for a hearty bite
- Pasta: 300g (penne or fusilli, whatever you have on hand)
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 can (400g)—the star of the show!
- Chicken Broth: 500ml, for that rich flavor
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced—yes, please!
- Onion: 1 medium, diced, for sweetness
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, for sautéing
- Dried Italian Herbs: 1 teaspoon to bring in the flavor
- Salt: to taste, of course
- Pepper: to taste—a little zing never hurts!
- Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup, grated—because cheese makes everything better
- Fresh Basil: for garnish, if you’ve got it on hand!
Easy How-To
Preheat and Prep
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Gets things nice and toasty! And don’t forget to gather all those beautiful ingredients. It just makes life easier when you have everything ready to go… It’s like a cooking zen moment, you know?
Sauté the Onions and Garlic
Now, grab your large ovenproof pot and heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in those diced onions and minced garlic, oh, the smell is just heavenly! Sauté ’em until they’re soft and a little translucent—can you just picture it?
In with the Chicken
Next, into that fragrant pot goes your diced chicken. Cook it, stirring now and then, until it’s browned on all sides and, you know, fully cooked through. It really starts to feel like dinner now!
Time for Tomatoes and Flavors
Alright! Stir in those canned tomatoes, your chicken broth, and the dried herbs. Sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste… and just mix, mix, mix! It’s all coming together beautifully!
Add the Pasta
Now it’s pasta time! Just throw it in there, and make sure it’s well submerged in that lovely tomato sauce. You want every piece to soak up that flavor, trust me!
Simmer Away
Bring your mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot, then lower the heat to medium-low. Let it cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, keeping an eye on it and stirring occasionally. You want that pasta nice and al dente. So good!
Cheesy Goodness
Once the pasta is cooked, you’ll take that pot off the heat and stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese—you’ll see it start to melt into that creamy goodness. Ahh, heavenly!
Bake for Perfection
Time to add a little extra cheese on top if you want—because why not? Then, pop that whole pot into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 15 minutes, or until the top is all golden and bubbly. It’s going to look amazing!
Serve and Enjoy
When it’s done, take it out and let it sit for a few minutes before diving in. Maybe sprinkle that fresh basil on top if you’ve got it—adds a nice touch and color, too!
Good to Know
- Using an oven-proof pot is a game changer; one pot means less mess!
- If you don’t have chicken, turkey or shrimp can easily work here.
- Feel free to mix in some veggies like spinach or bell peppers for a colorful twist!
Serving Ideas
- Serve it up with a crisp salad and some crusty bread—perfect combo!
Top Tricks
- A splash of cream or milk at the end can give an even richer texture if you’re feeling indulgent!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out pasta shapes, though just keep in mind cooking times might vary a bit here and there.
Can I make it ahead of time?
You sure can! It’s a great make-ahead dish. Just reheat when you’re ready to serve. Super handy for busy days!
What if I want to add more veggies?
Go for it! Spinach or bell peppers would work great. Just toss them in at the same time you add the tomatoes to keep things simple.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers can simply go into an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, or you can freeze them for longer storage—just make sure to reheat gently!
Conclusion
This Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Bake is just such a delightful way to mix ease with flavor. You can really make this recipe your own, swapping in different ingredients while still keeping that creamy, comforting profile. It’s perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in—just goes to show you that with a few simple ingredients, you can create something truly extraordinary.
