If you love fuss-free comfort food with maximum flavor, the 5-ingredient chicken and mushroom pasta bake is about to earn a spot in your weeknight rotation! This creamy, cheesy bake comes together in no time, using just a handful of supermarket staples and delivering all the heartwarming goodness of a homemade classic. With golden mozzarella on top and a luscious, savory sauce binding it all together, every bite is a cozy invitation to slow down and savor. It’s family-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and so incredibly simple you’ll make it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With only five essentials, the ingredients in this dish are tried-and-true standouts. Each one brings something special to the flavour, texture, and visual appeal of the 5-ingredient chicken and mushroom pasta bake.
- Penne: The perfect pasta shape for holding onto creamy sauces, penne also bakes up beautifully without getting mushy.
- RSPCA Approved Hot Roast Chicken: Starting with store-bought roast chicken gives all the flavor with none of the hassle, and the shredded meat stays juicy in the bake.
- Creamy Mushroom Sauce: This handy jar is your shortcut to deep, savory flavor and velvety texture—just pour and mix!
- Australian Baby Spinach: Spinach adds bright pops of color and a fresh layer of flavor that lightens up the richness of the dish.
- Shredded Mozzarella: The magic touch for the golden, bubbling topper you’ll want to dive into as soon as it comes out of the oven.
How to Make 5-ingredient chicken and mushroom pasta bake
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 200°C so it’s ready to go when you are. Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne according to the packet directions until it’s just al dente—this ensures your pasta stays perfect after baking. Drain well so your bake won’t end up watery.
Step 2: Combine the Main Ingredients
While the pasta is still warm, grab a large mixing bowl and add in the penne. Pile in the shredded roast chicken, then pour over the creamy mushroom sauce. Toss in the baby spinach and give everything a gentle but thorough mix. A quick season with salt and pepper really makes the flavors pop. Spoon this mixture into a generously sized baking dish so there’s room for those cheesy, golden bubbles later.
Step 3: Add the Cheese and Bake
Finish by scattering a generous, even layer of shredded mozzarella across the top of your assembled pasta. Slide it into your preheated oven and let it bake for around 20 minutes, or until the top is melted, golden, and irresistibly bubbly. The aroma will let you know when it’s ready. Serve your 5-ingredient chicken and mushroom pasta bake straight from the oven while it’s still wonderfully gooey.
How to Serve 5-ingredient chicken and mushroom pasta bake
Garnishes
The right garnish can make your bake feel extra special! Try a handful of fresh basil, chopped parsley, or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper for a beautiful touch and burst of freshness right before serving.
Side Dishes
This pasta bake is wonderfully filling on its own, but it pairs well with a simple side salad—think crisp greens and a zippy vinaigrette to balance the creamy sauce. Want something more indulgent? Go for a slice of garlic bread to soak up every bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, bake and serve the 5-ingredient chicken and mushroom pasta bake in individual ramekins or mini oven dishes for a dinner-party twist. Or, try spooning portions into bowls and topping them tableside with extra cheese for a fun finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which is never a guarantee!), let the bake cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more, making it a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
This 5-ingredient chicken and mushroom pasta bake freezes beautifully. Cool completely, then wrap portions tightly or transfer to a freezer-safe container. Label and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm leftovers in the oven at 180°C until piping hot and the cheese is melty again. For a quick meal, you can also microwave individual portions—just cover loosely with a microwave-safe lid to keep moisture in.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely! While penne is ideal for capturing sauce, feel free to substitute with rigatoni, fusilli, or even shells. Just keep an eye on the cooking time so the pasta doesn’t get too soft when baked.
Is there a substitute for the creamy mushroom sauce?
If mushroom isn’t your thing, a creamy garlic sauce or even Alfredo will work nicely. The key is to choose something rich that complements chicken and spinach, keeping the texture luxuriously creamy.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Definitely! The beauty of the 5-ingredient chicken and mushroom pasta bake is its flexibility. Stir in some sautéed mushrooms, peas, or cherry tomatoes before baking for a veggie boost without much extra effort.
Can this dish be made gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check the creamy mushroom sauce label for any hidden gluten. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
What’s the best way to shred the roast chicken?
Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, use clean hands or two forks to pull the meat into bite-sized shreds. This helps the chicken grab onto the sauce and ensures every spoonful is packed with flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like a bubbling dish of 5-ingredient chicken and mushroom pasta bake to brighten up a busy night or bring friends and family together. It’s quick, cozy, and full of flavor—and once you try it, I’m confident it’ll become one of your go-to favorites too.
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5-ingredient chicken and mushroom pasta bake Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This 5-ingredient chicken and mushroom pasta bake is a simple and delicious dish that’s perfect for a comforting family dinner. With creamy mushroom sauce, tender chicken, and gooey mozzarella, it’s sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
Penne:
375g
Coles RSPCA Approved Hot Roast Chicken:
1/2, skin and bones removed, meat coarsely shredded
Creamy Mushroom Sauce:
490g jar
Coles Australian Baby Spinach:
120g pkt
Coles Shredded Mozzarella:
250g pkt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 200°C. Cook the penne in a large saucepan of boiling water following packet directions or until al dente. Drain well.
- Step 2: Combine the penne, chicken, mushroom sauce, and spinach in a large bowl. Season. Spoon into a 10-cup (2.5L) baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with mozzarella.
- Step 3: Bake for 20 mins or until top is golden brown and pasta mixture is heated through. Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
