Baked Chicken and Creamy Pasta Dish

Step 1

Boil a pot of salted water with a little oil. Add the penne pasta and cook it until tender, then drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a pan, heat some oil over low heat. Sauté chopped onions for 2-3 minutes, then add garlic and cook for another minute or two until fragrant.

Step 3

Add the chicken to the pan and cook for about 4-5 minutes on medium-low heat. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, and oregano, stirring well. Let it cook for a couple more minutes.

Step 4

Stir in chili sauce and tomato ketchup, then toss in chopped capsicum. Cook everything together for about a minute before adding the cooked pasta. Mix it all well.

Step 5

In a separate pan, melt some butter and whisk in the flour. Cook this mixture for 2 minutes to form a roux.

Step 6

Slowly add milk to the roux, stirring constantly, and cook for 1-2 minutes until it thickens. Season with salt and pepper, then combine it with the chicken and pasta mixture.

Step 7

Transfer everything to a baking dish, sprinkle generously with grated mozzarella and a little oregano on top. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Step 8

Let it cool slightly, then serve warm and enjoy!

Best Pairings For This Dish

Serve with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to add freshness and balance the richness. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil on top adds color and brightness.

How To Save Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce seems too thick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of penne?

Yes, any pasta like fusilli, rigatoni, or macaroni will work well in this dish.

How do I know when the pasta is cooked perfectly?

Cook the pasta until it is tender but still slightly firm to the bite (al dente), usually about 8-10 minutes.

Can I use chicken with bones for this recipe?

Boneless chicken is recommended for even cooking and ease of eating, but you can use bone-in if you cook it thoroughly and remove bones before mixing.

What can I substitute if I don’t have chili sauce?

You can use hot sauce, sriracha, or a small amount of red pepper flakes for similar heat and flavor.

Is there a way to make the white sauce dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute milk with almond, soy, or oat milk and use dairy-free butter or oil instead of butter.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it a few hours in advance and bake just before serving for best freshness.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add extra chili sauce, red pepper flakes, or diced fresh chili to increase the heat level.

What should I do if the sauce is too thick after baking?

Stir in a little warm milk or cream before serving to loosen the sauce.