Mary Berry's Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

What is Mary Berry Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe?

Mary Berry’s chicken pasta bake is a comforting, creamy, and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken pieces with pasta, a rich béchamel or cheese sauce, and vegetables. It’s baked to golden perfection, making it ideal for a family dinner or a hearty meal.

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What Goes Best with Mary Berry Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe?

This chicken pasta bake pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables. It’s also great with a light side like coleslaw or roasted vegetables. A glass of white wine or lemonade complements this dish well.

Ingredients

300g (10 oz) penne or fusilli pasta
2 chicken breasts, diced
1 onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes
200ml (7 fl oz) chicken stock
150ml (5 fl oz) double cream or béchamel sauce
100g (3 ½ oz) grated cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
1 tsp dried oregano or mixed herbs
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers

How to Prepare Mary Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Sauté vegetables: In the same pan, add chopped onions and garlic, cooking until softened. If using, add sliced mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers and cook for a few minutes.
Make the sauce: Pour in the canned tomatoes and chicken stock. Simmer for 10 minutes until thickened. Stir in the double cream or béchamel sauce and season with oregano, salt, and pepper.
Combine: Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the sauce, mixing well to combine.
Assemble the bake: Transfer the mixture into a large ovenproof baking dish. Top with grated cheese.
Bake: Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/400°F/Gas Mark 6. Bake the pasta dish for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Serve: Let the dish cool slightly before serving.

Notes

You can substitute the double cream with a lighter option like single cream or Greek yogurt for a healthier version.
Feel free to add more vegetables, such as zucchini or broccoli, to make it more nutritious.

How to Serve Mary Berry Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Serve the chicken pasta bake hot with a side of fresh green salad or garlic bread. It’s also delicious with roasted vegetables or steamed greens.

How to Reheat Mary Berry Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Reheat the pasta bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes.

How to Store Leftovers of Mary Berry Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Store leftover chicken pasta bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Mary Berry Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe? Yes, you can use pre-cooked or leftover chicken, simply add it during the sauce-making step.
Can I freeze the chicken pasta bake? Yes, this dish freezes well. Cool it completely before transferring to an airtight container for freezing.
What other vegetables can I add to this dish? You can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to make it more nutritious.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta and ensure any stock or sauce ingredients are gluten-free.
How do I prevent the pasta from becoming too soft when baking? Cook the pasta al dente (firm to the bite) to prevent it from becoming too soft during baking.
Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can use any melting cheese like mozzarella, gouda, or a mixture of cheddar and parmesan.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe? Short pasta like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni works best as they hold the sauce well.
Can I use a store-bought sauce? Yes, you can use a jar of tomato sauce or béchamel sauce to save time.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free? Use dairy-free cream and cheese substitutes for a dairy-free version.
How can I make this recipe more flavorful? Adding herbs like basil, thyme, or a pinch of chili flakes can enhance the flavor. You can also use roasted garlic or sun-dried tomatoes.