Mary Berry Chicken Pasta Bake

Mary Berry’s Chicken Pasta Bake is made with dried penne, skinless boneless chicken breasts, onion, paprika, Parmesan cheese, and tomatoes. This delicious Chicken Pasta Bake recipe creates a hearty dinner that takes about 40 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 6-8 people.

Mary Berry Chicken Pasta Bake Ingredients

• Butter (for greasing)
• 250g (9oz) dried penne
• 1 onion, roughly chopped
• 3 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips roughly the size of your little finger
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

For The Sauce:

• 50g (2oz) butter
• 50g (2oz) plain flour
• 750ml (1 pint 6fl oz) hot milk
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 100g (4oz) Parmesan cheese, coarsely grated
• 2 large tomatoes, deseeded and cut into small cubes

How To Make Mary Berry Chicken Pasta Bake

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 220°C/200°C fan/Gas 7. Butter a shallow 1.75-liter (3-pint) ovenproof dish.
2. Cook the Penne: Cook the penne with the onion in boiling, salted water according to the packet instructions. Drain, refresh in cold water, and leave to drain again.
3. Prepare the Chicken: Put the chicken strips in a resealable freezer bag with the paprika, salt, and pepper. Seal and shake to coat. Heat the oil in a large frying pan and fry the chicken over high heat for about 2 minutes until golden and just cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
4. Make the Sauce: Melt the butter in a large saucepan. Add the flour and whisk to form a roux. Cook for 1 minute, then gradually add the hot milk, whisking over high heat until the sauce is smooth and thickened. Boil for 4 minutes. Stir in the mustard and half the cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the pasta and onion to the sauce and stir together. Spoon half of this mixture into the dish. Arrange the chicken strips on top, then spoon the remaining pasta and sauce over the chicken. Scatter the tomatoes on top and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
6. Bake: Bake in the oven for about 20 minutes until piping hot and golden.

Recipe Tips

• Preheat the Oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 220°C/200°C fan/Gas 7 before baking to ensure even cooking and a golden top.
• Cook Pasta Al Dente: Cook the penne until just underdone (al dente) since it will continue to cook in the oven and absorb some of the sauce.
• Use Hot Milk for the Sauce: Add hot milk to the roux gradually to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, creamy sauce.
• Check Chicken Doneness: Ensure the chicken is cooked through but not overdone before layering it in the bake. It should be golden on the outside and no longer pink inside.
• Top with Extra Cheese: For a crispy, golden top, sprinkle a bit more Parmesan cheese on top of the bake before putting it in the oven.

What To Serve With Chicken Pasta Bake?

This cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake pairs well with a simple green salad, garlic bread, steamed vegetables, or a fresh fruit salad. It also can be served alongside roasted potatoes, a light soup, a crisp coleslaw, or sautéed greens for a delicious dinner.

How To Store Leftovers Chicken Pasta Bake?

• Refrigerate: Let the leftover Chicken Pasta Bake cool to room temperature. Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Allow the Chicken Pasta Bake to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How To Reheat Leftovers Chicken Pasta Bake?

• In The Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Cover the Chicken Pasta Bake with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• In The Microwave: Place the Chicken Pasta Bake in a microwave-safe dish. Cover and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until hot.
• On the Stove: Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the Chicken Pasta Bake and cover the pan. Stir occasionally and cook for 10-15 minutes until thoroughly heated.

Mary Berry Chicken Pasta Bake Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 serving

• Calories: 460
• Total Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 95mg
• Sodium: 670mg
• Potassium: 700mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 43g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 7g
• Protein: 27g

Try More Mary Berry Recipes

• Mary Berry Christmas Meat Pie
• Mary Berry Christmas Bread Sauce
• Mary Berry Christmas Apricot Cake
• Mary Berry Christmas Scones