Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake

Name: Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts, cut into small chunks; 200 g spinach; 1 onion, finely chopped; 3 clove garlic, finely chopped; 65 g pancetta; 500 g conchiglie pasta; 220 ml double cream; 470 ml whole milk; 100 g cheddar, grated; 65 g Parmesan, grated; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 40 g plain flour; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

This creamy chicken Alfredo pasta bake is loaded with tender chicken, crispy pancetta, spinach, and two kinds of cheese for a rich, comforting dinner. It is easy enough for a weeknight but hearty enough to serve for family meals or casual entertaining.

Servings6 Portions

Prep Time15 Mins

Cook Time45 Mins

Difficulty

Intermediate

Ingredients

chicken breasts, cut into small chunks
2
spinach
200 g
onion, finely chopped
1
garlic, finely chopped
3 clove
pancetta
65 g
conchiglie pasta
500 g
double cream
220 ml
whole milk
470 ml
cheddar, grated
100 g
Parmesan, grated
65 g
vegetable oil
2 tbsp
plain flour
40 g
Dijon mustard
1 tbsp

Step-by-Step Instructions

Heat the vegetable oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add the pancetta and cook until crisp and golden, then lift it out with a slotted spoon and set aside. Season the chicken with salt and black pepper, add it to the pan, and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until lightly browned and just cooked through. Transfer to a plate.

Add the chopped onion and garlic to the same pan and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until softened. Meanwhile, boil the pasta in salted water until just al dente. Before draining, reserve about 240 ml of the pasta water.

Sprinkle the flour over the softened onion and garlic, then cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the cream, followed by the milk, until the sauce is smooth and thickened.

Stir the Dijon mustard and grated cheddar into the sauce until melted. Season to taste with salt and black pepper, then add the cooked pasta, chicken, crispy pancetta, and a splash of the reserved pasta water. Stir until everything is evenly coated and the sauce looks slightly loose.