0 from 48 votes
Chicken Bacon Pasta Bake
Cheesy chicken bacon pasta bake is a simple family dinner perfect for a weeknight meal. Comforting, easy to prepare, and freezer-friendly!
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 6
Calories: 386 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
British
Ingredients
- 400 g penne pasta
- 2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 220 g chicken breast cut into small strips or chunks
- 150 g smoked bacon cut into small chunks
- 350 g tomato sauce or a jar of pasta sauce
- Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- 125 g mozzarella grated
- 125 g Parmesan Cheese grated
- handful fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 180°C (360°F) or 160°C (with fan option on) or gas mark 4.
- Place a large pan of water over high heat and bring to a boil. Lightly season with sea salt, then add the pasta and cook for about 7-9 minutes.
- Look at the instructions on your pasta packaging. See how long it tells you to boil the penne for, and drain the pasta 3-4 minutes before this time.
- Whilst the pasta cooks, heat a skillet to medium heat, add the olive oil and the chicken and stir-fry for about 5 minutes, until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides.
- Heat a small skillet over medium heat, add the bacon and cook until crispy, for about 4-5 minutes, then transfer on a plate covered with kitchen paper to absorb the grease in excess.
- Drain the pasta al dente, and transfer the pasta back into the pan. Add in the tomato sauce, chicken and bacon and mix all the ingredients. Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste.
- Transfer the ingredients in a 6x8 inches baking dish or an oven-friendly pan, and sprinkle the Parmesan cheese and mozzarella all over the top.
- Bake the chicken and bacon pasta for around 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden brown. If you want some nice crunchy brown spots, set the baking dish under the grill for 2-3 minutes extra. Remove from the oven, allow to cool slightly, sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Can you store leftovers in the fridge?
- Of course! Store your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep well for a couple of days.
- Can you freeze it?
- 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).
- Can you reheat it?
- 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.
Nutrition Information
Calories
386kcal
(19%)
Carbohydrates
25g
(8%)
Protein
30g
(60%)
Fat
18g
(28%)
Saturated Fat
8g
(40%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
1g
Monounsaturated Fat
8g
Trans Fat
1g
Cholesterol
67mg
(22%)
Sodium
1039mg
(43%)
Potassium
479mg
(14%)
Fiber
2g
(8%)
Sugar
3g
(6%)
Vitamin A
567IU
(11%)
Vitamin C
5mg
(6%)
Calcium
368mg
(37%)
Iron
2mg
(11%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 386
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 386kcal | 19% |
| Carbohydrates | 25g | 8% |
| Protein | 30g | 60% |
| Fat | 18g | 28% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 67mg | 22% |
| Sodium | 1039mg | 43% |
| Potassium | 479mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 567IU | 11% |
| Vitamin C | 5mg | 6% |
| Calcium | 368mg | 37% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.