Mary Berry Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe – Creamy & Cheesy Family Meal

There is something especially comforting about a bubbling pasta bake with tender chicken, a creamy Parmesan sauce, and a golden finish. This Mary Berry Chicken Pasta Bake brings together penne pasta, paprika-seasoned chicken, fresh tomatoes, and a smooth Dijon-Parmesan sauce for a cosy family meal with plenty of creamy, cheesy flavour.

In the sections below, you’ll find the ingredients and useful equipment, followed by the cooking method, serving suggestions, storage guidance, FAQs, and the available nutrition information. The recipe can also be assembled ahead and kept chilled before baking, making it suitable for a relaxed family dinner or Saturday night meal.

Equipment

Equipments for Mary Berry Chicken Pasta Bake:

To prepare this recipe successfully, you will need simple kitchen tools that help with cooking, mixing, and baking. A few essential pieces of equipment ensure the creamy cheesy white sauce, chicken, and pasta combine well before creating a delicious baked finish.

• 1.75L ovenproof dish – Useful for baking the pasta bake evenly and creating the golden topping.
• Baking dish – Helps hold the pasta, sauce, chicken, and toppings together while baking.
• Frying pan – Needed for cooking the chicken until tender and lightly golden.
• Saucepan – Used for preparing the rich sauce mixture.
• Whisk – Helps blend the sauce smoothly and prevent lumps.
• Grill pan – Useful if needed for finishing or browning the top.
• Resealable bag – Can be used for coating or preparing ingredients before cooking.

Ingredients

Ingredients Require for Mary Berry Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe:

This Mary Berry Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe uses simple ingredients to create a creamy, comforting family meal. The combination of penne pasta, tender chicken breasts, Parmesan cheese, and a rich sauce creates a delicious baked dish with a golden finish. Use fresh ingredients and accurate measurements for the best flavour and texture.

Ingredient	Quantity
Penne pasta	250g/9oz (or 2 cups penne pasta 200g)
Chicken breasts	3 skinless boneless chicken breasts (or 2 chicken breasts)
Onion	1 roughly chopped onion
Butter	50g/1¾oz (or 2 tablespoon butter 30g), plus butter for greasing
Plain flour	50g/1¾oz
Full-fat milk	750ml/1 pint 6 fl oz hot milk (or 2 cups 500ml)
Dijon mustard	1 tsp
Parmesan cheese	100g/3½oz coarsely grated (or ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese 125g)
Olive oil	2 tbsp
Paprika	1 tbsp
Garlic granules	1 teaspoon
Salt	To taste
Black pepper	Freshly ground, to taste
Fresh tomatoes	2 large deseeded tomatoes, cut into small cubes

How to Make Mary Berry Chicken Pasta Bake

1. Preheat the oven to 220°C, 200°C fan, or gas mark 7. Lightly grease an ovenproof dish with butter and prepare all ingredients before cooking.
2. Cook the penne pasta in salted water until al dente according to the packet instructions. Drain the pasta, rinse it, and drain again before setting it aside.
3. Cut the chicken breasts into thin strips. Coat the chicken with paprika, garlic granules, salt, and black pepper to create well-seasoned pieces.
4. Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over high heat. Fry the chicken strips until golden, cooking for about 2 minutes until lightly browned.
5. Melt the butter in a saucepan and add the flour. Stir well, then gradually whisk hot milk into the mixture until the sauce becomes smooth and thickened.
6. Allow the sauce to boil gently and stir for around 4 minutes. Add the Dijon mustard and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until combined.
7. Add the cooked pasta, onion, and sauce together. Mix everything well, then layer the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish.
8. Place the chicken over the pasta and add the chopped fresh tomatoes. Sprinkle with extra cheese if desired, then bake for 20 minutes until golden and bubbling.

Expert Tips for Mary Berry Chicken Pasta Bake

A few simple tricks can help you achieve the perfect creamy sauce and delicious cheesy sauce every time. From my cooking experience, preparing the ingredients properly and avoiding common mistakes will help create a comforting meal with tender chicken and a beautiful golden finish.

• Keep the pasta slightly firm before baking because it will continue cooking in the oven and prevents a dry pasta bake.
• Prepare the white sauce slowly and whisk continuously to create a smooth béchamel sauce without lumps.
• Avoid making the pasta bake watery by draining the pasta well and not adding extra liquid.
• For the best flavour, use fresh paprika seasoning on the chicken before frying.
• If you are preparing ahead, you can assemble ahead and keep the dish covered in the fridge before baking.
• Allow the dish to sit for a few minutes after baking so the sauce can settle and the flavours develop.
• Follow the pasta packet instructions for the best texture and avoid overcooking the penne.
• To create a beautiful golden top, make sure the cheese is evenly spread before baking.
• This recipe is flexible, so you can adjust the seasoning while keeping the creamy, comforting style.
• Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat thoroughly before serving.

Serving Suggestions

How to serve Mary Berry Chicken Pasta Bake:

This creamy chicken pasta bake is best served hot as a comforting main course for a relaxed family dinner. The cheesy texture, tender chicken, and golden topping make it an ideal easy family meal for a Saturday night pasta treat or any suitable occasion.

• Serve with a fresh green salad to balance the rich flavours of the creamy chicken pasta bake.
• Add extra grated Parmesan or fresh herbs as a simple garnish before serving.
• Enjoy with a glass of white wine, sparkling water, or a refreshing lemonade.
• Pair with garlic bread for a more filling family favourite meal.
• Serve as a cosy dinner during weekends or family gatherings.
• Follow the meal with a light dessert such as fruit salad, cheesecake, or ice cream.
• Use fresh tomatoes and herbs to add colour and freshness to the dish.
• Perfect for sharing as a comfort food meal that serves 6–8 people.

Storage

How to store Mary Berry Chicken Pasta Bake:

Room Temperature

• Do not leave the cooked chicken pasta bake at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
• Allow leftovers to cool before covering and moving them to refrigerated storage.

Refrigerator

• Store in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
• You can make ahead by preparing the dish, covering it, and keeping it chilled overnight.
• If you assemble ahead, keep it covered and bake just before serving.
• Reheat leftovers in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Freezer

• Freeze the baked pasta for up to 2–3 months in a freezer-safe container.
• Allow the dish to cool completely before wrapping it up and freezing.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• For best texture, avoid freezing and reheating multiple times.

FAQs

Q: Can I make Mary Berry Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe ahead?

Yes, you can make it ahead by preparing the pasta bake and keeping it covered in the fridge. It is best to bake before serving so the topping stays fresh and golden.

Q: Can I assemble the pasta bake before cooking?

Yes, you can assemble ahead and store it in the fridge overnight. Bring it closer to room temperature before placing it in the oven.

Q: Can I use other pasta shapes instead of penne pasta?

Yes, you can use other pasta shapes such as fusilli or rigatoni. Make sure the pasta is cooked properly before adding it to the bake.

Q: Can pasta be cooked before baking?

Yes, you should boil pasta first until slightly firm. The pasta will continue cooking in the oven, so avoid overcooking it beforehand.

Q: Why is my pasta bake watery?

A watery bake can happen if the pasta is not drained properly or too much liquid is added. Allow the sauce to thicken before combining it with the pasta.

Q: Can I freeze chicken pasta bake?

Yes, this recipe can be frozen for up to 2–3 months. Store it in a suitable container and reheat thoroughly after defrosting.

Q: Can I make a vegetarian version?

Yes, you can replace the chicken with vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or peppers. The creamy sauce and cheesy topping will still create a delicious meal.

Q: How do I reheat leftovers?

Reheat leftovers in the oven for a better texture or use a microwave for convenience. Make sure the dish is heated evenly before serving.

Nutrition

The nutritional values for this chicken pasta bake are approximate and can vary depending on ingredient brands, portion sizes, and preparation methods. This recipe provides a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats from the chicken, pasta, and creamy cheese sauce.

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving
Calories	566 kcal
Protein	35g
Carbohydrates	55g
Sugars	8g
Fat	25g
Saturated Fat	14g
Fibre	4g
Sodium/Salt	1.2g