Description
This creamy French onion chicken pasta bake is a quick and comforting one-pan meal packed with rich, cheesy flavour. Combining tender barbecue chicken, golden mushrooms, spinach, and a creamy French onion-infused sauce, it’s an easy dish that delivers big on comfort and taste in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
250 g penne pasta
1 tbsp olive oil
200 g thickly sliced button mushrooms
6 fresh thyme sprigs, leaves removed
1 barbecue chicken, bones removed, meat and skin shredded
40 g packet French onion soup mix
60 g baby spinach
375 ml (1 1/2 cups) full cream milk
125 ml (1/2 cup) thickened cream
155 g (1 1/2 cups) grated pizza cheese
Chopped fresh continental parsley, to serve
Instructions
- Grease a large baking dish and cook the pasta according to the packet instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large deep frying pan over high heat. Add the mushrooms and thyme and cook for about 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Preheat the oven grill on high.
- Add the shredded barbecue chicken, French onion soup mix, spinach, milk, cream, and half of the grated cheese to the pan. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer until slightly thickened.
- Stir in the drained pasta and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spread evenly, and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
- Grill for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbling.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Use fusilli, rigatoni, or shells instead of penne if preferred.
Add caramelised onions for extra depth of flavour.
Swap the chicken for more mushrooms or roasted vegetables for a vegetarian version.
Use low-fat milk and cream for a lighter option.
For a crispier top, bake at 200°C for 10–15 minutes instead of grilling.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop and Grill
- Cuisine: Australian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg
