Chipotle Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe 

Hey there, food lovers! If you’re someone who enjoys a bit of spice mixed with comforting pasta, this Chipotle Chicken Pasta Bake is going to blow your taste buds away! It’s a hearty dish loaded with tender chicken, sweet veggies, and a smoky chipotle kick, all wrapped up in a cheesy, baked delight. Inspired by a recipe from @sw_chris_mc, I decided to jazz it up with a side of chicken and sweetcorn quesadillas and creamy guacamole . Whether you’re feeding the whole family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish will quickly become a favorite!

Method 

Sautéing the Veggies

Start by heating the olive oil in a large saucepan or frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped red onion and peppers. Sauté them for about 3-5 minutes until they become tender and slightly caramelized. This step is important as it allows the vegetables to soften and release their natural sweetness, which will balance the smoky chipotle flavor later on.

Cooking the Chicken

Next, add the crushed garlic and diced chicken breasts to the pan. Stir everything together and cook the chicken until it’s nearly done. The chicken should be lightly browned and mostly cooked through by the time you add the other ingredients. While the chicken is cooking, make sure to boil your pasta according to the package instructions in a separate pot. The pasta should be drained and set aside for later.

Adding the Flavoring

Once the chicken is almost fully cooked, it’s time to add the tomato purée and chipotle seasoning to the pan. Stir the seasoning through the chicken and vegetables, making sure they are well coated. Let the chipotle flavor infuse into the chicken and veggies for a minute or so. Afterward, add the Worcestershire sauce and balsamic vinegar. Stir them into the mixture, ensuring everything is evenly combined. The combination of these ingredients will give your dish that smoky, tangy flavor profile that’s absolutely irresistible.

Simmering the Sauce

Now it’s time to add the passata (tomato sauce) and vegetable stock to the pan. Pour them in and stir to combine with the other ingredients. Lower the heat and allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 10 minutes. This step allows the flavors to blend together, creating a rich and savory sauce. You’ll notice that the sauce thickens slightly as it simmers, making it the perfect base for your pasta bake.

Mixing the Pasta and Final Touches

Once the sauce is ready, it’s time to add the cooked pasta to the pan. Pour the drained fusili pasta into the sauce and gently toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is coated with the flavorful sauce. Make sure the pasta is well mixed and absorbs all those delicious flavors. After that, transfer the entire mixture into a baking dish. Top the pasta bake with grated lighter cheese, ensuring it’s evenly spread over the top. Finally, place the dish under a hot grill for just a few minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown. Keep a close eye on it so the cheese doesn’t burn, but gets that perfectly crispy, bubbly finish.

Necessary Tools 

• Large saucepan or frying pan
• Baking dish
• Pot for boiling pasta
• Wooden spoon
• Grater (for cheese)
• Measuring spoons
• Knife and chopping board

Serving Suggestions 

This dish is great on its own, but if you’re looking to take it up a notch, serve it with a side of chicken and sweetcorn quesadillas for an added layer of flavor! A creamy guacamole or a fresh side salad will also pair perfectly with the smoky richness of the bake.

Fun Fact 

Did you know that chipotle is actually a dried and smoked jalapeño pepper? It gives a deep smoky flavor to any dish, making it perfect for dishes like this one!

Conclusion 

This Chipotle Chicken Pasta Bake is a flavorful and filling dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy dinner or a meal prep session, this one is guaranteed to satisfy. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy the smoky, cheesy goodness!