Hunters Chicken Pasta Bake
When comfort food meets bold flavors, you get the delightful Hunters Chicken Pasta Bake. This dish brings together the smokiness of barbecue sauce, the richness of chicken, and the comforting appeal of pasta. It’s a warm hug on a plate, perfect for satisfying your cravings and bringing joy to your taste buds. Join us as we dive into the world of Hunters Chicken Pasta Bake and learn how to create this delicious masterpiece.
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| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breasts, boneless | 2 breasts |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Bacon strips | 6 strips |
| Onion, chopped | 1 medium |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 3 cloves |
| Bell pepper, chopped | 1 |
| Barbecue sauce | 1 cup |
| Tomato sauce | 1 cup |
| Penne pasta | 12 oz |
| Mozzarella cheese, shredded | 1 ½ cups |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | ¼ cup |
How to Make Hunters Chicken Pasta Bake
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
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Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on both sides and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
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Step 2: Cook the Bacon
In the same skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and crumble it. Leave the bacon drippings in the skillet.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the bacon drippings, sauté the chopped onion, minced garlic, and bell pepper until they are tender and fragrant.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
Add the barbecue sauce and tomato sauce to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes.
Step 5: Assemble the Pasta Bake
Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
Step 6: Layering
In a baking dish, layer half of the pasta mixture. Place the cooked chicken breasts on top of the pasta. Sprinkle half of the crumbled bacon over the chicken.
Step 7: Repeat the Layers
Layer the remaining pasta mixture over the chicken and bacon. Top with the rest of the crumbled bacon.
Step 8: Add Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta bake.
Step 9: Bake
Bake the dish in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 10: Garnish and Serve
Remove the pasta bake from the oven and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top. Let it cool slightly before serving.
Why Choose Hunters Chicken Pasta Bake?
Here’s why you should consider adding Hunters Chicken Pasta Bake to your repertoire:
- Flavor Explosion: This dish combines the smoky richness of barbecue sauce, the savory goodness of chicken, and the heartiness of pasta for a truly satisfying experience.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and a straightforward preparation process, this pasta bake is a fantastic option for a stress-free meal.
- Family-Friendly: The combination of flavors in this dish is sure to appeal to both kids and adults, making it a great choice for family dinners.
- Versatile: While the recipe is delicious as is, you can also add your own twists by incorporating extra vegetables or experimenting with different cheese varieties.
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs can be a flavorful and tender alternative to chicken breasts.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the pasta bake up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, bake it as directed.
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta? A: Certainly! While penne is commonly used, you can use other pasta shapes like rigatoni or rotini.
Q: Can I make this dish without bacon? A: Yes, you can omit the bacon for a lighter version of the dish. You can also substitute with turkey bacon or omit it altogether.
Q: Can I use store-bought barbecue sauce? A: Absolutely! Store-bought barbecue sauce works well in this recipe, or you can make your own if you prefer.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container. When reheating, you may want to add a splash of water to maintain the pasta’s texture.
Hunters Chicken Pasta Bake brings together the bold flavors of barbecue sauce, succulent chicken, and comforting pasta in a dish that’s both satisfying and delightful. With its enticing aroma and rich taste, this recipe is a must-try for anyone seeking a hearty and flavorful meal.
