Delicious Gluten-Free Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Welcome, dear reader, to my latest recipe article. Today’s recipe is a delicious and hearty Gluten-Free Chicken and Pasta Bake that is sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave you feeling nourished and satisfied.
As a nutritionist cum food blogger, my job is to help people eat healthier and enjoy their meals at the same time. This dish not only meets that criteria but also caters to specific dietary needs, making it perfect for anyone looking for a gluten-free, dairy-free recipe.
Some may think eating healthy means sacrificing on taste, but I am here to tell you that this is not always the case. This savory pasta bake is loaded with fresh vegetables such as carrots and onions, perfectly-seasoned ground chicken, tomato sauce, chicken broth, and parmesan cheese. The flavors blend together in the most mouth-watering way possible.
What sets this recipe apart is the gluten-free pasta. Often times when people give up gluten, they miss out on their favorite pasta dishes. That’s where this recipe comes in – replacing traditional wheat-based pasta with gluten-free penne makes it accessible to those with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.
I promise you that by following the simple instructions below and using high-quality ingredients from your local organic store or farmer’s market, you will create a dish that is both healthy and delicious. Trust me when I say: your taste buds will thank you for trying out this incredible Gluten-Free Chicken and Pasta Bake recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fellow foodies, let me introduce you to a gluten-free chicken and pasta bake recipe that will make your taste buds dance with delight! If you have been searching for a delicious and healthy pasta dish that’s easy to make, look no further. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or for serving at gatherings with friends and family.
What makes this recipe a standout is that it’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and packed with mouthwatering flavors. The combination of sautéed onion, garlic, and ground chicken create a savory base for your pasta casserole. Add in some tomatoes and carrots for sweetness and depth of flavor. The gluten-free penne holds up perfectly in the oven and absorbs all the amazing flavors.
One of the best parts of this dish is that it’s versatile; it can be adapted to suit everyone’s preferences. You can substitute chicken with other proteins like chickpeas or even mushrooms to make it vegan. For spice lovers out there, adding buffalo sauce to create buffalo chicken pasta is a great option! And if you’re feeling indulgent, adding cream cheese or parmesan cheese would give that rich creaminess we all love without the dairy.
Not only is this recipe gluten-free and packed with flavor, but it’s also relatively low-calorie compared to other pasta dishes. By using olive oil instead of butter, low-sodium chicken broth instead of regular broth, you can enjoy a guilt-free comfort food without feeling heavy after eating.
So if you are looking for a hearty and flavorful gluten-free chicken pasta bake recipe that’ll please the whole crowd, look no further than this recipe! It’s an Italian classic reinvented into a healthy variation packed full of flavors.
Ingredient List
Let’s go over the ingredients necessary to make this scrumptious gluten-free chicken and pasta bake recipe. You can find all of these items in your local supermarket or health food store. Here is everything you’ll need:
- 12 ounces gluten-free penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 2 cups of broccoli, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups of tomato sauce
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese (optional for topping)
As you can see, the ingredient list for this recipe is straightforward and easy to find. The star ingredients in this dish are the gluten-free pasta and the ground chicken. Gluten-free pasta is perfect for individuals with gluten intolerance or those who prefer gluten-free food. The use of ground chicken makes the dish leaner and healthier than using regular beef or pork meat. The rest of the ingredients add delicious flavors and textures essential for a great-tasting meal.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we know the ingredients (as detailed in section 3), it’s time to start cooking our Gluten-Free Chicken and Pasta Bake. Lucky for you, this recipe is simple and quick to prepare. Let’s begin with the steps:
Step 1: Preheat Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F.
Step 2: Cook Chicken and Pasta
For this recipe, we need 2 skinless chicken breasts that are fully cooked and shredded beforehand. Cook 12 ounces of gluten-free penne pasta according to package instructions until done.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once heated, add in 2 finely chopped onions, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 2 peeled and chopped carrots. Sauté these vegetables for about 5-7 minutes until softened.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Sauce Mixture
Now that the vegetables are cooked, add in the shredded chicken into the pan. Pour in a mixture of 1 cup of chicken broth and 1 cup of tomato sauce into the same pan along with some black pepper & salt to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer before turning off the stove.
Step 5: Combine All Ingredients into Baking Dish
Mix cooked pasta into the sautéed vegetables and chicken mixture. Pour this combined dish into a greased baking dish. Evenly spread grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Step 6: Bake!
Pop the baking dish with your gluten-free chicken pasta bake into your preheated oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes until it is fully cooked through and cheese is melted on top.
Now you’re ready to serve! Enjoy your homemade gluten-free chicken pasta bake hot straight from the oven!
Substitutions and Variations
Now, let’s talk about some exciting substitutions and variations to make this gluten-free chicken and pasta bake recipe even more personalized and enjoyable for you.
Firstly, if you want to add more veggies to your bake, consider adding in some mushrooms or leeks. These veggies blend perfectly with the chicken’s taste and enhance the flavor of the pasta bake.
If you are not in the mood for chicken, try buffing up the recipe with chicken chorizo pasta. You can always swap out the ground chicken with cooked shredded chicken, bacon, or buffalo chicken. These meats will add an exciting twist to your dish.
Moreover, if you are craving a creamier version of the dish, replace half of the tomato sauce with cream cheese. This addition will make your pasta bake denser and even more filling.
Gluten-free eaters can use gluten-free pasta as a substitute for regular pasta to create gluten-free Italian chicken pasta. You can also create this dish using chickpea or brown rice pasta for a healthier twist.
Last but not least, try experimenting with different sauces such as pesto or marinara sauce. A creamy tetrazzini recipe works well too! You can also swap out chicken broth for vegetable broth to create a free dairy and gluten-free version.
Whatever ingredients you choose to use as substitutions or additions, make sure to keep your servings sizes in mind so that your meal stays balanced and rich in flavors. Happy cooking!
Serving and Pairing
Once you have prepared this delicious gluten-free chicken and pasta bake recipe, it’s time to think about how you will serve and pair it with other food items. This dish is quite filling and hearty on its own, but it can also be complemented with a few side dishes.
You can choose to serve the chicken pasta bake as a main course, accompanied by a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. The salad can be dressed with balsamic vinaigrette or any of your favorite dressings to bring out the flavors in the chicken pasta.
If you’re hosting a dinner party or feeding a large group, try pairing the chicken pasta bake with garlic bread, toasted ciabatta or any crusty bread of your choice. The bread will help mop up every last bit of sauce from your chicken pasta bake dish.
For those who enjoy wine, white wine pairs exceptionally well with this recipe. A glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio will do wonders to complement the flavors of the dish. However, if you prefer red wine, go ahead and indulge in a glass of fruity red like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon.
Lastly, if you have any leftovers, they will keep well in an airtight container for up to two days in the fridge. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave for a quick and easy meal on-the-go. Remember to refrigerate any leftover sauce separately from the chicken and gluten-free pasta.
Overall, there are several options for serving and pairing this gluten-free chicken and pasta bake recipe. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just enjoying it by yourself, it’s sure to be a hit at your next meal.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about this Gluten Free Chicken and Pasta Bake recipe is that it can easily be made ahead of time. This makes it a great dish to prepare on days when you know you will be short on time later. You can make it in advance, refrigerate or freeze it, and heat it up again when you’re ready to eat.
To make this recipe ahead of time, simply follow the instructions in section (4) The Recipe How-To. Once you have baked the pasta casserole, let it cool to room temperature. Then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to reheat the dish, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), remove the plastic wrap or foil from the top of the baking dish and bake until hot and bubbly.
If you decide to keep your Gluten Free Chicken and Pasta Bake in the fridge, you’ll want to reheat it in the oven rather than using a microwave. This will ensure that the pasta keeps its texture and that everything reheats evenly. Simply follow the reheating instructions above and monitor your casserole as it warms up.
Storing leftover portions of this flavorful pasta bake is as easy as pie – or should I say pasta bake? Cover any uneaten servings tightly before placing them into refrigerator or freezer. When ready for another serving just heat them up according to instruction listed above.
So enjoy having this comforting Gluten Free Chicken and Pasta Bake on hand, no fuss, no sweat!
Tips for Perfect Results
Everyone wants their cooking to turn out just right. Here are some tips to ensure a tasty and successful Gluten-Free Chicken and Pasta Bake:
1. Cook the pasta al dente: Since the pasta will continue to cook as it bakes in the oven, cooking it al dente (slightly undercooked) will prevent it from getting too mushy.
2. Use a blend of gluten-free flours: To achieve the best consistency for this dish, use a mix of wheat-free flours such as rice, potato, and tapioca.
3. Add extra sauce: Gluten-free pasta can be quite absorbent, so adding a bit of extra sauce to the recipe is recommended.
4. Don’t overcook the chicken: Overcooking your chicken breasts can cause them to become dry and tough. Make sure to only cook them until they’re just done.
5. Use seasoning in moderation: With so many great flavors in this recipe, it might be tempting to add lots of seasoning. However, using too much salt or black pepper can overpower the other components.
6. Cover with foil while baking: Covering your gluten-free pasta bake with foil will prevent it from drying out in the oven and make sure the chicken stays juicy.
7. Allow it to rest before serving: Once you remove your dish from the oven, allow it to cool for around 10 minutes before serving. This will let all of the ingredients settle, resulting in better texture and flavor.
With these tips in mind, you’re sure to create an excellent Gluten-Free Chicken and Pasta Bake that is both delicious and nutritious!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Gluten-Free Chicken and Pasta Bake Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile and healthy. You can easily adapt the recipe to your preferences and dietary restrictions without sacrificing taste. Whether you want to use different veggies, proteins, or pasta, this recipe is flexible enough to accommodate almost any variation you can imagine.
By following my detailed instructions, tips, and recommendations, you’ll be able to create a flavorful and nutritious dish that your whole family will enjoy. So don’t hesitate to try this recipe and let me know how it turned out for you in the comments below.
Remember that eating healthy doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor or enjoyment. With a little creativity and know-how, you can whip up a delicious meal that’s good for your body and soul. So go ahead and indulge in some Gluten-Free Chicken and Pasta Bake with confidence!
Gluten Free Chicken and Pasta Bake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 5 ounces turkey bacon
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 tablespoons tomato sauce
- 1 1/4 cups chicken broth
- 8 ounces gluten-free pasta, penne works best
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated
- salt, to taste
- black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the chicken, breaking up larger pieces.
- Add chopped turkey bacon, garlic, onion, carrots, tomato sauce, broth, and seasoning, Bring to boil, cover and simmer for 1 hour or until carrots are tender.
- Preheat oven to 350.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and mix with the chicken sauce.
- Transfer to a shallow ovenproof dish and sprinkle with cheese. Bake for 20-30 minutes until lightly browned on top.