Creamy French Chicken Pasta Bake

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The Creamy French Chicken Pasta Bake is the epitome of comfort food with a French twist, perfect for a cozy autumn dinner. It combines tender chicken and al dente pasta with a rich, creamy sauce, topped off with a golden, crispy cheese layer. This dish stands out with its use of caramelized onions, Dijon mustard, and balsamic vinegar, offering a deep, savory flavor profile that’s both satisfying and sophisticated.

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cooking Time

35 minutes (15 minutes for pre-cooking chicken and onions, 20 minutes for baking)

Servings

4 servings

Ingredients

  • Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml)
  • Large onions, thinly sliced: 2
  • Dry pasta (such as penne or fusilli): 8 ounces (225g)
  • Cooked diced chicken: 2 cups (approximately 500g or two large chicken breasts)
  • Onion soup mix: 1 packet (about 40g)
  • Dijon mustard: 1 tablespoon (15ml)
  • Balsamic vinegar: 2 tablespoons (30ml)
  • Chicken broth: 1 cup (240ml)
  • Light Swiss cheese, grated: 1 cup (100g)
  • Salt: 1 teaspoon (5g)
  • Black pepper: ½ teaspoon (2.5g)
  • Butter: 1 tablespoon (14g)
  • Crispy onions: ½ cup (40g)
  • Breadcrumbs: ½ cup (60g)
  • Parmesan cheese, grated: ¼ cup (25g)
  • Fresh thyme (optional for garnish): 1 tablespoon (1g)

Method

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook until caramelized, about 10 minutes. Stir in balsamic vinegar and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Set aside.
  • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water.
  • Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In a separate pan, heat butter and a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side. Set aside.
  • In a bowl, whisk together onion soup mix, Dijon mustard, and chicken broth.
  • In a casserole dish, layer cooked pasta, followed by caramelized onions and cooked chicken. Pour the onion soup mixture over the top. Sprinkle with grated Swiss cheese, crispy onions, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
  • Let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme if desired.

This Creamy French Chicken Pasta Bake is a heartwarming dish that combines the comfort of pasta bake with the sophisticated flavors of French cuisine. It’s perfect for a chilly evening, promising a culinary experience that’s both rich and deeply satisfying. The combination of caramelized onions, tender chicken, and creamy, cheesy sauce, all baked to perfection, makes this dish a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their comfort food game.

Nutritional Information (Approx)

  • Calories: Approx. 600
  • Protein: 35g
  • Carbohydrates: 65g
  • Fat: 22g
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 900mg

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