Cheesy Chicken & Bacon Pasta Bake

Helloooooo 😀

This week’s recipe was created for my friend Pauline’s Birthday Lunch.  I asked her “what are your favourite foods?” to which she replied “chicken, bacon and pasta”.  What I am about to show you next… will surprise no one.

I could have easily just bought a jar of pasta bake sauce.  But I like to make a fuss of people, and cooking from scratch is one of the best ways for me to do that.  What can I say, I’m a nurturing soul. 🙂

Plus, this is so easy, there’s really no reason for me to buy jars of sauce; it’s hardly a shortcut!

Heres what I did:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ingredients (Serves 4)

350g Dried Pasta (I used Rigatoni for its chunkiness)

2 chicken breasts, diced

4 slices bacon, diced

1 onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

200g grated cheese (I used mature cheddar for a stronger flavour)

50g butter

2 tbsp plain flour

400ml milk (I used semi skimmed)

1 tsp nutmeg (ground)

50g golden breadcrumbs (optional – and not in the picture!)

First, I boiled my pasta in a large pot of salted water, for about 8 minutes (check your own packet instructions for your correct cooking time though).  Meanwhile, I browned my chicken in some oil for a few minutes, before adding my bacon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once the bacon started browning, I added my onions.  When they began to go see through (after a few minutes), I added my garlic.  I don’t like to add my garlic too early, as it burns easily.  I turned off the heat on both pots.  By this time, my pasta was ready.  I drained it and returned to the pot.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In another pot, I melted my butter, then added my flour.  I stirred it vigorously, until it formed a roux.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On a medium heat, I added my milk (yep, the whole lot), and whisked all the lumps out of it.  This is the part where you think it’s NEVER going to thicken or de-lump.  But, after a few minutes, the consistency starts to smooth out and thicken.  I took it off the heat and stirred in my nutmeg.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next, I stirred in about 2/3 of my cheese and it turned into a smooth, saucy consistency.  I poured it into my pasta, along with the chicken and bacon.  I gave it a good stir and checked for seasoning.  It didn’t require any extra salt, as the flavours were quite strong.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I poured it all into an oven proof dish, and covered with the remaining cheese and my breadcrumbs (which were an afterthought, hence not being in the Ingredients pic).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I made this ahead of Pauline’s arrival, so it had cooled down by the time I put it in a preheated oven (180 degrees) for 30 minutes.  If you’re making it straight away, heat it all up in the pot before you transfer it to your dish, then just grill it until the cheese has turned melty and golden.  Mmmm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This was delicious!  I knew it was a success when Pauline interrupted what she was saying, to go “mmmm” 😀 I forgot to get a photo of the pasta on a plate, but you can take my word for it; it was creamy, crunchy and mega-flavoursome!

 

The best thing about trying this recipe, is that you can master the “roux” base for loads of other dishes, such as my amaaaazing fish pie!).  If you like your pasta cheesy, meaty and hearty, you can’t go wrong with this one!

 

Happy Birthday Pauline.  21 again 😉

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See you all next Wednesday!  Enjoy 😀 x

 

23 Comments

    1. Catherine

      Bacon makes everything better, doesn’t it Jan? Hee hee! My mum doesn’t eat it, but she loves the smell of it; what’s that about? x

  4. grace

    gal’s got great taste in food and friends! this looks like a great dish, catherine. the combination of cheese and bacon rules. 🙂

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  8. Hannah Roberts

    Thank you for sharing this recepie. Been looking for a good one to try for a while be trying this friday not x

  9. Rebecca

    Tried this the other night. Both my partner and I found it delicious! Not too creamy, very filling and enough leftovers for lunch the next day.
    Thanks for the recipe

  10. Karrie

    Made this today for my three little boys and they absolutely loved it and they even went back for seconds.

  11. Helen

    Looks great – but why the pre grated cheese? Buying a block and grating it is so much better value, quick and fresher. Seems a shame to go all out and skip the sauce then buy a pack of ready grated cheese to add in!

  12. Jason Hales

    May i just say, as a father who loves cooking and does all the cooking for the family, this is by far the most satisfying meal i have made for myself, partner and two children. We all love it! I usually up the ingredients a little so theres some left over for my work packed lunch 😉 

    1. Irene Noble

      Hey Jason, very glad to hear Catherine’s recipe was such a hit with you and your family 🙂

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