Chicken Pasta Bake

Chicken pasta bake with bacon is a creamy casserole prepared in just 30 minutes, making an easy dinner idea for busy weeknight days!

📝 Ingredients

• 16 oz linguine pasta
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
• 1/2 white or yellow onion (diced)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 4 strips cooked bacon (chopped)
• 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups of half and half (,warm (You may use whole milk instead but the sauce won't be as creamy and velvety))
• 1 cup chicken broth (or stock)
• 1 to 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper ((you may add a teaspoon of Italian seasoning if you want))
• 1 cup canned diced tomatoes (drained)
• 1 1/2 cups cooked leftover chicken (shredded such as rotisserie chicken or baked chicken breast)
• 1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese ((or any melting cheese of your choice))
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil leaves (optional)
• Fresh oregano leaves (optional (You can replace these fresh herbs with chopped fresh parsley))

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Preheat oven to 350 degrees F/180 degrees C.
2. 2Cook and drain the pasta according to the directions in the package and set aside.
3. 3While the pasta is cooking, melt 3 tbsp of butter in a large and heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent. Do not let brown! Add the garlic powder, and chopped bacon, and let cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute. Add the remaining 3 tbsp of butter, let them melt, and then, stir in the flour to combine. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. 4Add the half and half gradually while stirring, then the broth/stock, salt, and pepper. Whisk for 1 minute, in small circles around the frying pan, until it starts to thicken and become smooth (without flour lumps). Then add the diced tomatoes. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook, stirring constantly, for around 5 minutes or until thick enough to coat the back of a metal spoon. Taste and adjust the seasonings if needed.
5. 5Add the chicken, cooked pasta, and cheddar cheese and mix through. Let it cook for around 1 minute on the stove, then remove from heat.
6. 6Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 8 minutes or until cheese is melted. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 2 minutes.
7. 7Serve while it is still hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and oregano. This chicken pasta bake can also be served with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and fresh grape tomatoes on top. If you would like to, sprinkle on a few red pepper flakes, too.