Healthy Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Introduction
This healthy chicken pasta bake combines wholemeal pasta, vibrant vegetables, and tender chicken in a flavorful tomato sauce. It’s a comforting, nutritious dish perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Simple to make and packed with color and taste, it’s sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
- 300g wholemeal penne
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 2 peppers (1 yellow and 1 orange), deseeded and chopped
- 1 large courgette (160g), coarsely grated
- 3 large garlic cloves, finely grated
- 500g carton passata
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1½ tsp vegetable bouillon powder
- 1 tsp chilli powder (optional)
- 25g Kalamata olives (about 8), sliced
- 400g chicken breasts (2 large), cut into pieces
- Large handful of basil, chopped, plus extra to serve
- 100g ricotta
- 20g finely grated mature cheddar
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the wholemeal penne according to the package instructions. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or gas mark 4.
- Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped peppers and fry for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally until they begin to soften.
- Step 3: Add the grated courgette and garlic to the pan and cook for a few more minutes. Then stir in the passata, smoked paprika, vegetable bouillon powder, chilli powder if using, and sliced Kalamata olives. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3–4 minutes.
- Step 4: Drain the cooked pasta, reserving some of the pasta water. Return the pasta to the pan with the sauce. Add the chicken pieces, half a mug of the reserved pasta water, and the chopped basil. Stir everything together thoroughly.
- Step 5: Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture to a baking dish. In a small bowl, mix the ricotta with 5 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water, then spread this evenly over the pasta.
- Step 6: Sprinkle the grated mature cheddar over the ricotta layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes until golden and bubbling.
- Step 7: Remove from the oven and scatter with extra fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For extra creaminess, you can swap ricotta for cottage cheese or add a dollop of crème fraîche on top before baking.
- Use any colorful peppers you have on hand to brighten up the dish.
- For a spicier version, increase the chilli powder or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- To make it vegetarian, omit the chicken and add mushrooms or cooked lentils instead.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly in the oven or microwave until hot throughout. This pasta bake also freezes well—defrost overnight in the fridge and then reheat in the oven for best results.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular pasta instead of wholemeal?
Yes, regular pasta works fine, but wholemeal adds more fiber and nutrients, making the dish healthier overall.
Is it necessary to reserve pasta water?
Yes, the starchy pasta water helps bind the sauce and keep the pasta moist during baking, so don’t skip this step.
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Healthy Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This healthy chicken pasta bake features wholemeal penne combined with a flavorful vegetable-rich tomato sauce, tender chicken pieces, and a creamy ricotta topping, finished with mature cheddar for a deliciously comforting meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 300g wholemeal penne
- 2 tsp olive oil
Vegetables and Sauce
- 2 peppers (1 yellow and 1 orange), deseeded and chopped
- 1 large courgette (160g), coarsely grated
- 3 large garlic cloves, finely grated
- 500g carton passata
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1½ tsp vegetable bouillon powder
- 1 tsp chilli powder (optional)
- 25g Kalamata olives (about 8), sliced
- Large handful of basil, chopped, plus extra to serve
Protein and Toppings
- 400g chicken breasts (2 large), cut into pieces
- 100g ricotta
- 20g finely grated mature cheddar
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook the wholemeal penne according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving some of the pasta water for later use.
- Prepare the sauce base: While the pasta cooks, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced peppers and fry for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally until they begin to soften.
- Add vegetables and seasoning: Stir in the grated courgette and garlic cloves, cooking for a few more minutes to combine the flavors. Then, pour in the passata and add smoked paprika, vegetable bouillon powder, optional chilli powder, and sliced Kalamata olives. Stir well and let the mixture simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Combine pasta, chicken, and sauce: Add the drained pasta to the sauce along with the raw chicken pieces, half a mug of pasta water, and chopped basil. Mix thoroughly to ensure the chicken is evenly distributed and coated with sauce.
- Assemble the bake: Transfer the mixture into a baking dish, spreading it evenly. In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta with 5 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to create a smooth topping. Spread this ricotta mixture over the pasta evenly, then sprinkle the grated mature cheddar on top.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/Gas mark 4. Bake the assembled dish in the oven for 35 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is golden and bubbling.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and scatter with extra fresh basil leaves before serving.
Notes
- To ensure the chicken cooks completely, cut chicken breasts into smaller, even-sized pieces.
- Adding the reserved pasta water helps to keep the sauce moist and binds the ingredients together.
- For a spicier version, increase the amount of chilli powder or add fresh chopped chillies.
- You can substitute wholemeal penne with other whole grain pasta shapes if preferred.
- This dish freezes well—store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 months and reheat thoroughly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Keywords: healthy chicken pasta bake, wholemeal pasta bake, chicken dinner, baked pasta, healthy dinner recipe
