Creamy chicken pasta bake

Good

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

1. Preheat the oven to 220°C (200°C fan) or gas mark 7. Grease a 1.75-liter ovenproof dish with butter.

Step 2

2. Cook the pasta and chopped onion together in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the pasta packet instructions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.

Step 3

3. Season the chicken strips with paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for about 2 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 4

4. To make the sauce, melt the butter in a pan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the hot milk and cook for about 4 minutes until the sauce thickens. Stir in the Dijon mustard and half the Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 5

5. Add the pasta and onion to the sauce and mix well. Spoon half of this mixture into the greased baking dish. Arrange the cooked chicken over the top, then add the remaining pasta mixture. Scatter the chopped tomatoes and remaining Parmesan over the top.

Step 6

6. Bake for about 20 minutes until golden and bubbling.

Step 7

Serve hot with a simple green salad or garlic bread.