Chicken Pasta Bake

Name: Chicken Pasta Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 8 people
Ingredients: 16 oz linguine pasta; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter; ½ white or yellow onion; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 4 trips cooked bacon; 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups of half and half; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 to 2 teaspoons salt; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 cup canned diced tomatoes; 1 ½ cups cooked leftover chicken; 1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese; fresh basil leaves; fresh oregano leaves

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Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings
8 people
Calories
5587 kcal
Course
Main Course
Cuisine
American

Chicken Pasta Bake

Soren Pugh

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Chicken pasta bake with bacon is a creamy casserole prepared in just 30 minutes, making an easy dinner idea for busy weeknight days!

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Ingredients

Servings

16 oz linguine pasta or other pasta of your choice (Flat Long Noodles Like linguine, fettuccine, tagliatelle, and pappardelle make great options for this creamy pasta bake because the surface area of the pasta's flat shape can stand up against the heft of rich, creamy sauces. Tubular pasta like penne and ziti are other good choices!).
6 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
½ white or yellow onion diced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
4 trips cooked bacon chopped
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups of half and half ,warm (You may use whole milk instead but the sauce won't be as creamy and velvety)
1 cup chicken broth or stock
1 to 2 teaspoons salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper (you may add a teaspoon of Italian seasoning if you want)
1 cup canned diced tomatoes drained
1 ½ cups cooked leftover chicken shredded such as rotisserie chicken or baked chicken breast
1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese (or any melting cheese of your choice)
1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
fresh basil leaves optional
fresh oregano leaves optional (You can replace these fresh herbs with chopped fresh parsley)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F/180 degrees C.
Cook and drain the pasta according to the directions in the package and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, melt 3 tablespoon of butter in a large and heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent. Do not let brown! Add the garlic powder, and chopped bacon, and let cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute. Add the remaining 3 tablespoon of butter, let them melt, and then, stir in the flour to combine. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Add the half and half gradually while stirring, then the broth/stock, salt, and pepper. Whisk for 1 minute, in small circles around the frying pan, until it starts to thicken and become smooth (without flour lumps). Then add the diced tomatoes. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook, stirring constantly, for around 5 minutes or until thick enough to coat the back of a metal spoon. Taste and adjust the seasonings if needed.
Add the chicken, cooked pasta, and cheddar cheese and mix through. Let it cook for around 1 minute on the stove, then remove from heat.
Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 8 minutes or until cheese is melted. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 2 minutes.
Serve while it is still hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and oregano. This chicken pasta bake can also be served with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and fresh grape tomatoes on top. If you would like to, sprinkle on a few red pepper flakes, too.

Notes

STORAGE
Store chicken pasta bake leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Although not recommended, you can freeze it for up to one month.

Nutrition Information

Show Details

Calories 558.7kcal (28%) Carbohydrates 52.3g (17%) Protein 24.8g (50%) Fat 27.6g (42%) Saturated Fat 15.3g (77%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1.9g Monounsaturated Fat 7.6g Trans Fat 0.3g Cholesterol 93.2mg (31%) Sodium 751.7mg (31%) Potassium 394.3mg (11%) Fiber 2.4g (10%) Sugar 5.4g (11%) Vitamin A 761.5IU (15%) Vitamin C 3.8mg (4%) Calcium 267.2mg (27%) Iron 1.8mg (10%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8people

Amount Per Serving

Calories 5587 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories	558.7kcal	28%
Carbohydrates	52.3g	17%
Protein	24.8g	50%
Fat	27.6g	42%
Saturated Fat	15.3g	77%
Polyunsaturated Fat	1.9g	11%
Monounsaturated Fat	7.6g	38%
Trans Fat	0.3g	15%
Cholesterol	93.2mg	31%
Sodium	751.7mg	31%
Potassium	394.3mg	8%
Fiber	2.4g	10%
Sugar	5.4g	11%
Vitamin A	761.5IU	15%
Vitamin C	3.8mg	4%
Calcium	267.2mg	27%
Iron	1.8mg	10%