Creamy Chicken and Pasta Bake

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Calories: Approximately 620 per serving (serves 4)

Ingredients:
300g penne pasta
500g chicken breast, diced
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
400g can chopped tomatoes
200ml double cream
100g grated cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (fan oven 180°C) or gas mark 6.

2. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Cook the Chicken: In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

4. Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the same pan, add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.

5. Make the Sauce: Pour in the chopped tomatoes and stir in the double cream, dried oregano, and dried basil. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes to combine the flavours. Add the cooked chicken back to the pan and stir to combine.

6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the chicken and sauce mixture. Stir well to ensure all pasta is coated.

7. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the pasta mixture into a large baking dish. Sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the top.

8. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbling.

9. Garnish and Serve: Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Creamy Chicken and Pasta Bake with a side salad or garlic bread for a hearty family dinner!