Chicken Bacon Pasta Bake

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pasta Water

Preheat your oven to 190°C (≈375°F) (approximately 375°F) (375°F (≈190°C) (approximately 190°C)). Bring a large pan of water to a boil on the hob.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Add 400g (14 oz) of rigatoni pasta to the boiling water. Cook for approximately 13 minutes, which is about one minute less than the recommended cooking time on the pasta package, to ensure it's al dente.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add 3 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces, to the pan. Cook for about 5 minutes until the chicken is just sealed and lightly browned on all sides.

Step 4: Sauté Onion and Peppers

Add 1 diced onion to the pan with the chicken. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion softens. Then, add 1 chopped red bell pepper and 1 chopped yellow bell pepper to the pan and continue to cook for a few more minutes.

Step 5: Add Seasonings and Tomato Puree

Stir in 1 tablespoon of tomato puree, a good pinch of salt and pepper, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon of thyme. Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 6: Incorporate Tomatoes and Cream

Pour in two 400g (14 oz) tins of chopped tomatoes and stir well. Next, stir in 120ml (1/2 cup) of double cream and bring the sauce to a gentle bubble.

Step 7: Combine Pasta with Sauce

Drain the cooked pasta and add it directly to the pan with the chicken and sauce. Stir thoroughly to ensure all the pasta is coated in the creamy tomato mixture.

Step 8: Add Spinach and Bacon

Add 100g (3 packed cups) of baby spinach leaves and 6 chopped cooked rashers of smoky bacon to the pan. Stir everything together until the spinach wilts into the pasta mixture.

Step 9: Transfer to Baking Dish and Top with Cheese

Transfer the entire pasta mixture into a large baking dish. Evenly top the pasta with 100g (1 cup) of mature grated cheddar cheese and 100g of grated mozzarella cheese.

Step 10: Bake Until Golden

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbling.

Step 11: Garnish and Serve

Carefully remove the chicken bacon pasta bake from the oven. Optionally, sprinkle with fresh parsley for garnish before serving. Enjoy!

• Great for leftovers the next day.

• You can use any other pasta type if rigatoni is not available.