Preheat your oven to grill/broil settings on medium heat. This step ensures that your Chicken Pasta Bake gets a beautiful golden crust on top, which is crucial for that perfect finish.
Prepare the cherry tomatoes by placing them in a single layer on an oven tray lined with foil. Drizzle with a small amount of olive oil or use spray oil, then bake them in the preheated oven until soft and cooked through, which should take about 10 minutes.
While the tomatoes are roasting, boil the pasta according to the package instructions in salted water. You want them cooked al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
In a separate large oven-proof pan, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, frying until fragrant and slightly translucent.
Next, introduce the diced chicken to the mix, searing until golden on the outside. This step locks in the flavors and gives the chicken a beautiful color.
Sprinkle in the dried oregano, basil, parsley, and vegetable stock powder along with a pinch of salt to season. Stir everything together to combine and let the spices infuse the chicken.
Now, it’s time to add the Passata or tomato sauce along with the tomato paste. Stir this mixture well, allowing it to come to a gentle simmer while stirring occasionally. You want the sauce to thicken up nicely.
Once the cherry tomatoes are done roasting, add them to the pan and mix everything well. The sweetness of the tomatoes will enhance the sauce's flavor.
Pour the milk and the cornflour mixture into the sauce, stirring again until it becomes creamy and thick. This is what makes the dish so comforting!
When the pasta is al dente, drain it and then stir it through the chicken and sauce mixture. Mix half of the mozzarella cheese into the pasta to give it that cheesy goodness.
Transfer the entire mixture to a baking dish, sprinkling the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top. Optionally, you can add any extra cherry tomatoes for garnish.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the top is golden and the cheese has melted beautifully. You’re looking for that delicious bubbly texture that signifies it’s ready to serve!
Finally, sprinkle additional dried oregano and basil over the top for extra flavor before serving. Your Chicken Pasta Bake is now ready to be devoured!
