Baked Chicken Tomato Pasta

Baked Chicken Tomato Pasta

Servings: 2 (in 8 cm diameter by 4 cm height bowls)

Ingredients: For the Tomato Sauce:

• 140 g chicken breast, diced
• 130 g onion, chopped (about a large half)
• 10 g (1 tablespoon) minced garlic
• 2 pinches of salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 130 g tomatoes, chopped (about half of a large tomato)
• 130 g (7 tablespoons) spaghetti tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper

For the Penne:

• 500 ml water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 80 g Penne pasta

For the Milk Sauce (Béchamel):

• 30 g butter
• 20 g (2 tablespoons) all-purpose flour
• 240 ml milk

For the Topping:

• 140 g mozzarella cheese, grated

Cooking Tips:

• If you don’t have an oven, you can melt the cheese in the microwave.
• If eating immediately without baking, cook the pasta for 10 minutes (9 minutes for al dente).
• You can use different types of pasta.
• Oven cooking time: Preheat to 230°C (446°F), then bake at the same temperature for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Substitute shrimp for chicken breast if desired.
• For a spicier taste, add 2 teaspoons of crushed red pepper.

Preparation Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 230°C (446°F) if using an oven.
2. Boil Penne pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
3. In a saucepan, sauté chicken breast with onions and garlic. Season with salt and black pepper. Add tomatoes and cook until soft. Pour in the spaghetti sauce and add crushed red pepper. Simmer to combine flavors.
4. For the milk sauce, melt butter in another saucepan, stir in the flour to make a roux, and gradually add milk while stirring to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens.
5. Mix the cooked pasta with the tomato and milk sauces.
6. Transfer the pasta to baking dishes, top with grated mozzarella cheese, and bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
7. If you do not have an oven, layer the pasta and cheese in microwave-safe dishes and microwave until the cheese melts.

Serving: Serve the baked pasta hot, perhaps with a side salad or bread to complement the rich flavors. Enjoy your restaurant-style baked chicken pasta at home!