Jamie Oliver 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.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 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.