I’ve recently started a series called ‘Family Comforts’ where I’m sharing recipes from those who inspire me the most. Today we’re tucking into my Uncle Phil’s chicken and bacon pasta bake! I’ve tried this a couple of times since he showed me it recently and can tell you it is ridiculously good. Too good not to share in fact! For a little more back story check out the video in the recipe card below 😄
Garlic Breadcrumbs
Without sounding dramatic – these are life-changing. When I saw Uncle Phil take a stick of garlic bread and blitz it up in a food processor my jaw dropped. I mean maybe I’m late to the party, but garlic breadcrumbs? On a pasta bake??? Absolutely. And this won’t be the last you see me pulling this stunt either 😅 Process shots: add garlic bread to food processor (photo 1), blitz to a crumb-like texture (photo 2).
Creamy Chicken and Bacon Pasta
There are a couple of different routes you could go with chicken and bacon pasta bake. You’ll most commonly see a tomato base or a cream base. This is the latter (let me know in the comments if you’d like a tomato version!). The sauce is pretty simple to whip up and consists of 3 different components:
Sauce – The sauce is a 50:50 combo of milk and chicken stock, alongside some cream for extra richness. The sauce is thickened with a simple roux (butter & flour). Cheese – We’re going in with 3 different kinds of cheese: cheddar, mozzarella and parmesan. Flavour enhancers – Onion, garlic, Dijon mustard and white pepper all add gorgeous flavour. Phil also recommends a couple of anchovies, which I have tried and they truly do work (promise!).
What kind of bacon should I use?
You’ll want to use streaky bacon as it’s much fattier than back bacon. This is important because we’ll be using the leftover fat to fry the onion. I recommend using smoked bacon for added flavour.
What kind of chicken should I use?
Rotisserie/leftover cooked chicken works best, simply for ease. Although saying that you could fry up some chicken if you’d prefer. Process shots: fry bacon then remove (photo 1), fry onion, garlic and anchovies (photo 2), melt butter then stir in flour (photo 3), whisk in liquids then stir in mustard, pepper and the cheese (photo 4), add cooked pasta, chicken and bacon (photo 5), stir to combine (photo 6).
Chicken and Bacon Pasta Bake
Once it’s all combined just whack it in a large baking dish and level it off so it’s flat. From there, top with parmesan, breadcrumbs and plenty of oil spray.
How do I know when the pasta bake is cooked?
The top will be golden and crisp, with the sauce rapidly bubbling around the edges. If you’re at all wary just pull it out early to check. Don’t overcook it or the sauce will dry out! Process shots: add pasta to baking dish (photo 1), top with parmesan (photo 2), top with breadcrumbs and oil spray (photo 3), bake (photo 4).
What kind of pasta should I use?
Uncle Phil uses Penne, which is what I’ve gone for here, although any shortcut pasta will do!
Do I have to add the garlic breadcrumbs?
You could use regular breadcrumbs if you’d prefer, or just leave them off and stick with just the parmesan on top (no extra oil spray needed).
Do I have to add the anchovies?
They do add a good punch of flavour (not fishy at all) but you can leave them out if you wish. Just consider some added salt in the sauce.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
This is best made fresh, but certainly don’t waste leftovers. Just allow it to completely cool and tightly store in the fridge for up to a few days. Reheat until piping hot again.
Serving Chicken and Bacon Pasta Bake
Just let the bubbles die down a little before tucking in! No sides needed, this is a very rich and hearty dish 😋 For the other ‘Family Comforts’ recipes check out these recipes:
Mum’s Cottage Pie On’s Thai Pork Toast Grandad’s Ham & Cheese Toastie Dad’s Smash Burger
Alrighty, let’s tuck into the full recipe for this chicken and bacon pasta bake shall we?!
How to make Chicken and Bacon Pasta Bake (Full Recipe & Video)
For more similar recipes check out these beauties:
Pasta Bake Recipes
Broccoli Pasta Bake (or Cauliflower Pasta Bake) Creamy Tuna Pasta Bake (or Tomato Tuna Pasta Bake) Chicken Pesto Pasta Bake Taco Pasta Bake Veggie Pasta Bake
