A Comforting Weeknight Dish for Irish Kitchens
As the unpredictable Irish weather continues to bring a mix of wind and rain throughout the summer, there’s something incredibly satisfying about coming home to a warm, comforting meal. Especially when it’s easy to prepare and loved by everyone at the table.
Whether you’re cooking for a busy family, preparing a solo dinner, or simply craving a stress-free dish, Mary Berry’s creamy chicken pasta bake might just be the perfect addition to your weeknight routine. This recipe is ideal for Irish households where time is limited but hearty meals are essential. It’s packed with flavor, featuring tender chicken, rich cheese, and a silky sauce that adds a subtle kick of mustard and paprika.
According to reports, this dish uses ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen, making it a great option for midweek evenings when you don’t want to make another trip to the store. With minimal preparation and just 20 minutes in the oven, it’s a no-stress, high-reward meal that the whole family will enjoy. In true Mary Berry style, it’s comfort food at its best—generous, warming, and deeply satisfying.
On the BBC website, Mary shared her thoughts on the dish: “A wonderfully comforting chicken pasta bake, this can be made ahead and will go down really well with the family.”
Here’s how to bring this crowd-pleasing classic into your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 250g of penne pasta
- 100g of parmesan cheese
- 50g plain flour
- 50g of butter (plus extra for greasing)
- 750ml of hot milk
- Three skinless boneless chicken breasts
- Two large tomatoes
- One onion
- One tablespoon of Dijon mustard
- One tablespoon of paprika
- Two tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Kitchen Equipment Required
- A shallow ovenproof dish
- Pot
- Large frying pan
- Sandwich bag
- Slotted spoon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 220°C (200°C Fan or Gas 7), then butter your ovenproof dish.
Roughly chop the onion and place it in a pot of boiling salted water along with the penne pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, then drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
Cut the chicken breasts into thin strips and place them in a sandwich bag with the paprika seasoning and some salt and pepper. Shake to coat the chicken evenly.
Add one tablespoon of olive oil to a frying pan and cook the chicken on high heat for two minutes until golden brown and just cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.
To make the pasta sauce, melt the butter in the frying pan, add the flour, and mix thoroughly for one minute over high heat. Gradually add the hot milk while continuously stirring until you have a smooth, thick sauce.
Let the sauce boil for four minutes, then stir in the mustard, half of the parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper.
Add the pasta and onion to the sauce and mix everything together. Spoon the mixture into the oven dish, then scatter the remaining cheese and tomato pieces on top.
Bake for approximately 20 minutes until the pasta bake is hot and has a crispy, golden-brown top. Once done, remove from the oven and serve your mouthwatering dish.
This recipe is not only simple but also incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables or cheeses to suit your taste. Whether you’re looking for a quick family meal or a cozy dinner for one, Mary Berry’s creamy chicken pasta bake is sure to become a favorite.
