This Jamie Oliver Chicken Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food. Combining tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, cheesy sauce, this dish is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. It’s a one-pan meal that delivers big on flavor while being easy to prepare, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights.
What is Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Pasta Bake?
Jamie Oliver Chicken Pasta Bake is a hearty and delicious dish where cooked chicken and pasta are combined with a creamy tomato sauce and topped with melted cheese. This baked pasta is all about comfort and flavor, featuring layers of cheesy goodness with a crispy, golden top. It’s an excellent option for feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- One-pan meal: Everything comes together in one baking dish, making cleanup easy.
- Perfect for leftovers: Great for using up leftover chicken or pasta.
- Crowd-pleaser: A family-friendly dish that everyone will love.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients or add vegetables.
- Comfort food: Cheesy, creamy, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver Chicken Pasta Bake
- 300g (10.5 oz) pasta (penne or fusilli work well) – cooked according to package instructions.
- 500g (1 lb) cooked chicken breast – shredded or chopped.
- 1 large onion – finely chopped.
- 2 garlic cloves – minced.
- 400g (14 oz) canned tomatoes – crushed or chopped.
- 2 tbsp tomato paste – for extra depth of flavor.
- 1 tsp dried oregano – adds a subtle herby note.
- 200ml (7 fl oz) chicken stock – to create the sauce.
- 200ml (7 fl oz) double cream – for a rich, creamy sauce.
- 150g (5 oz) grated mozzarella – for the gooey, cheesy topping.
- 50g (1.75 oz) grated parmesan – for a sharp, flavorful finish.
- 2 tbsp olive oil – for sautéing the onions and garlic.
- Salt and pepper – to taste, for seasoning.
- Fresh basil (optional) – for garnish.
Equipment
- Large saucepan – for cooking the pasta.
- Frying pan – for making the sauce.
- Baking dish – to assemble the pasta bake.
- Wooden spoon – for stirring the sauce.
- Grater – to grate the cheeses.
Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver Chicken Pasta Bake
Step 1: Cook the pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the onions and garlic
- Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Prepare the tomato sauce
- Add the canned tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, and chicken stock to the pan. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Stir in the cream and chicken
- Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the double cream and cooked chicken. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes to warm the chicken through and blend the flavors.
Step 5: Combine the pasta and sauce
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or 400°F. In a large baking dish, combine the cooked pasta with the creamy chicken tomato sauce, ensuring everything is well coated.
Step 6: Add the cheese topping
- Sprinkle the grated mozzarella and parmesan evenly over the top of the pasta. This will create a deliciously crispy, cheesy layer once baked.
Step 7: Bake the pasta
- Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown on top.
Step 8: Serve
- Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve your Jamie Oliver Chicken Pasta Bake hot with a side salad or garlic bread.
What Goes Well With Jamie Oliver Chicken Pasta Bake
- Garlic bread: A classic side that pairs perfectly with the rich pasta.
- Green salad: A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
- Roasted vegetables: Serve with a side of roasted carrots or broccoli for added nutrition.
- Steamed spinach: A light and healthy green to complement the creamy pasta.
- Pickled vegetables: Add a tangy contrast with pickled cucumbers or peppers.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Jamie Oliver Chicken Pasta Bake
- Cook the pasta al dente: Ensure the pasta is slightly undercooked before baking to avoid it becoming too soft.
- Use a variety of cheeses: Mix up the cheese topping with cheddar, Gruyère, or even blue cheese for extra flavor.
- Add vegetables: You can include spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers in the sauce to add more texture and nutrients.
- Season well: Be generous with seasoning to bring out the flavors of the dish.
- Prepare ahead: Assemble the pasta bake in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready to cook, just bake as directed.
Easy Variations of Jamie Oliver Chicken Pasta Bake
- Spicy version: Add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the tomato sauce for a kick of heat.
- Vegetarian option: Swap the chicken for roasted vegetables or tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
- Lighter version: Substitute the cream with a lighter alternative or use a tomato-based sauce without cream for a healthier option.
- Seafood twist: Replace the chicken with cooked shrimp or tuna for a seafood pasta bake.
Best Practices to Store Jamie Oliver Chicken Pasta Bake
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: This dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Mason jars: Portion out the pasta into individual mason jars for easy grab-and-go meals.
Best Practices to Reheat Jamie Oliver Chicken Pasta Bake
- Oven: Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent the cheese from burning.
- Microwave: For individual portions, reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: If needed, you can reheat the pasta on the stovetop, adding a little water or cream to loosen the sauce.
How Can I Make Jamie Oliver Chicken Pasta Bake Healthier?
- Use whole-wheat pasta: Swap regular pasta for whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta for added fiber.
- Reduce the cream: Use a lighter cream or substitute with a low-fat yogurt or milk to reduce the fat content.
- Add more vegetables: Include spinach, mushrooms, or courgettes to increase the nutritional value of the dish.
- Use lean chicken: Opt for chicken breast instead of thighs to reduce the fat content.
- Serve with a salad: Pair the dish with a light, fresh salad to balance the richness.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 520
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
FAQs
Can I bake chicken pasta ahead of time?
Yes, Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Pasta Bake can be made ahead of time. You can assemble the dish, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
How do I keep pasta baked to prevent drying out?
To prevent Jamie Oliver Chicken Pasta Bake from drying out, ensure that the pasta is coated well in the sauce before baking. Cover the dish with foil for the first 15 minutes of baking, then remove the foil for the final 10 minutes to let the cheese brown without overcooking the pasta.
Can I freeze chicken pasta bake?
Yes, Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Pasta Bake freezes well. Allow the pasta bake to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until hot throughout.
What vegetables can I add to chicken pasta bake?
You can add a variety of vegetables to Jamie Oliver Chicken Pasta Bake for extra flavor and nutrition. Common choices include spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, courgettes, or broccoli. Simply sauté or steam the vegetables before adding them to the pasta and sauce mixture.
Final Words
This Jamie Oliver Chicken Pasta Bake is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that combines the best of cheesy pasta and tender chicken in a rich, flavorful sauce. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings and can be customized to suit your taste.
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Jamie Oliver Chicken Pasta Bake
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Jamie Oliver Chicken Pasta Bake is a hearty and delicious dish where cooked chicken and pasta are combined with a creamy tomato sauce and topped with melted cheese. This baked pasta is all about comfort and flavor, featuring layers of cheesy goodness with a crispy, golden top. It’s an excellent option for feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week.
Ingredients
- 300g (10.5 oz) pasta (penne or fusilli work well) – cooked according to package instructions.
- 500g (1 lb) cooked chicken breast – shredded or chopped.
- 1 large onion – finely chopped.
- 2 garlic cloves – minced.
- 400g (14 oz) canned tomatoes – crushed or chopped.
- 2 tbsp tomato paste – for extra depth of flavor.
- 1 tsp dried oregano – adds a subtle herby note.
- 200ml (7 fl oz) chicken stock – to create the sauce.
- 200ml (7 fl oz) double cream – for a rich, creamy sauce.
- 150g (5 oz) grated mozzarella – for the gooey, cheesy topping.
- 50g (1.75 oz) grated parmesan – for a sharp, flavorful finish.
- 2 tbsp olive oil – for sautéing the onions and garlic.
- Salt and pepper – to taste, for seasoning.
- Fresh basil (optional) – for garnish.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the onions and garlic
- Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Prepare the tomato sauce
- Add the canned tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, and chicken stock to the pan. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Stir in the cream and chicken
- Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the double cream and cooked chicken. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes to warm the chicken through and blend the flavors.
Step 5: Combine the pasta and sauce
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or 400°F. In a large baking dish, combine the cooked pasta with the creamy chicken tomato sauce, ensuring everything is well coated.
Step 6: Add the cheese topping
- Sprinkle the grated mozzarella and parmesan evenly over the top of the pasta. This will create a deliciously crispy, cheesy layer once baked.
Step 7: Bake the pasta
- Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown on top.
Step 8: Serve
- Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve your Jamie Oliver Chicken Pasta Bake hot with a side salad or garlic bread.
