Chris Hemsworth’s Smoky Tomato & Chicken Pasta Bake: A Family Favorite
Have you ever craved a dish that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor? Something that feels like a warm hug on a plate? Look no further! This Smoky Tomato & Chicken Pasta Bake, rumored to be a Hemsworth family favorite, is exactly what you need. This recipe combines the heartiness of chicken and pasta with the rich, smoky depth of tomatoes, creating a culinary masterpiece that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.
This recipe draws inspiration from rustic Italian cuisine but adds a unique twist with the smoky flavor that elevates it from a simple pasta bake to something truly special. It’s hearty, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make – even Thor himself could probably whip this up after a long day of saving the world!
## Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Family-Friendly:** This pasta bake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, loved by both kids and adults. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies without any complaints.
* **Easy to Make:** With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is perfect for beginner cooks. No fancy techniques required!
* **Customizable:** Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your liking. Add different vegetables, swap the chicken for sausage, or use a different type of cheese.
* **Make-Ahead Option:** You can assemble the pasta bake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. This is perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Deliciously Smoky:** The smoky flavor from the paprika and potentially smoked cheese (optional) adds a unique depth of flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
* **Hearty and Filling:** This is a complete meal in one dish, packed with protein, carbs, and vegetables.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start cooking, gather all your ingredients. This will make the process much smoother and more enjoyable.
* **Pasta:** 500g of your favorite pasta shape. Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work particularly well. Their ridges help capture the delicious sauce. Gluten-free pasta works great too!
* **Chicken:** 500g of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces. Chicken thighs tend to be more flavorful and stay moister during baking.
* **Onion:** 1 large onion, finely chopped. Yellow or white onions are suitable.
* **Garlic:** 4-5 cloves of garlic, minced. Fresh garlic is always best for maximum flavor.
* **Canned Tomatoes:** 800g of crushed tomatoes. High-quality crushed tomatoes will make a difference in the final flavor. You can also use diced tomatoes, but crush them slightly with a fork before adding them to the sauce.
* **Tomato Paste:** 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. This adds richness and depth to the sauce.
* **Chicken Broth:** 1 cup of chicken broth. This adds moisture to the sauce and helps to cook the pasta evenly.
* **Heavy Cream:** 1/2 cup of heavy cream (optional, but highly recommended for extra richness). You can substitute with milk or half-and-half for a lighter version.
* **Smoked Paprika:** 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. This is key to achieving that smoky flavor. If you don’t have smoked paprika, you can use regular paprika, but the flavor won’t be quite the same.
* **Dried Oregano:** 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Adds a classic Italian flavor.
* **Dried Basil:** 1 teaspoon of dried basil. Another essential Italian herb.
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat). Adjust the amount to your liking.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Use a good quality olive oil for the best flavor.
* **Mozzarella Cheese:** 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese. Freshly shredded mozzarella melts best. You can also use a combination of mozzarella and provolone for a more complex flavor.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Adds a salty, savory flavor. Freshly grated Parmesan is always best.
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste. Season generously!
* **Fresh Basil:** A handful of fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish (optional).
* **Smoked Gouda or Cheddar Cheese (Optional):** 1 cup shredded, for an extra smoky boost.
## Equipment You’ll Need
* Large pot for cooking pasta
* Large skillet or Dutch oven
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Mixing bowls
* Wooden spoon or spatula
* Cheese grater
* Knife and cutting board
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious Smoky Tomato & Chicken Pasta Bake.
**Step 1: Cook the Pasta**
* Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
* Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Al dente means “to the tooth” in Italian, so the pasta should be slightly firm, not mushy. This is important because the pasta will continue to cook in the oven.
* Drain the pasta and set aside.
**Step 2: Prepare the Chicken**
* While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
* Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper. Make sure the chicken is cooked all the way through for food safety. An internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is recommended.
* Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
**Step 3: Make the Sauce**
* Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
* Stir in the tomato paste, smoked paprika, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This will help to bloom the spices and enhance their flavor.
* Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Simmering the sauce allows the flavors to meld together.
* Stir in the heavy cream (if using) and season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed to suit your preferences.
**Step 4: Assemble the Pasta Bake**
* Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
* In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cooked chicken, and tomato sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly.
* Pour the pasta mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
* Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. If using, sprinkle the smoked gouda or cheddar evenly over the top of the mozzarella.
**Step 5: Bake the Pasta Bake**
* Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the pasta bake is heated through. Keep an eye on it to prevent the cheese from burning.
* Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the pasta bake to set slightly and make it easier to cut.
**Step 6: Garnish and Serve**
* Garnish with fresh chopped basil (if using). This adds a pop of freshness and color.
* Serve hot and enjoy!
## Tips and Variations
* **Add Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the sauce, such as bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach. Add them when you add the onion and garlic.
* **Use Sausage:** Swap the chicken for Italian sausage (sweet or spicy) for a different flavor profile. Brown the sausage in the skillet before adding the onion.
* **Make it Spicy:** Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
* **Use Different Cheese:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as provolone, Gruyere, or fontina. A combination of cheeses can add complexity to the flavor.
* **Add Wine:** Add 1/2 cup of red wine to the sauce while it’s simmering for a deeper flavor. Allow the wine to reduce slightly before adding the crushed tomatoes.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Omit the chicken and add more vegetables or use plant-based sausage or crumbles.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
* **Prep Ahead:** Assemble the pasta bake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
* **Freezing:** This pasta bake can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
* **Don’t Overcook the Pasta:** Remember to cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Overcooked pasta will become mushy.
* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** Using high-quality ingredients, especially the tomatoes and cheese, will make a big difference in the final flavor of the dish.
## Serving Suggestions
This Smoky Tomato & Chicken Pasta Bake is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience:
* **Garlic Bread:** Serve with a side of warm garlic bread for dipping into the delicious sauce.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta bake.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts, make a healthy and flavorful side dish.
* **Wine Pairing:** A light-bodied red wine, such as Pinot Noir or Chianti, pairs well with the smoky tomato flavor of the pasta bake.
* **Dessert:** A light and refreshing dessert, such as fruit salad or lemon sorbet, is the perfect way to end the meal.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* Calories: 600-800 per serving (depending on ingredients and serving size)
* Protein: 40-50g
* Carbohydrates: 60-80g
* Fat: 20-40g
**Note:** This is an approximate nutritional breakdown. For more accurate information, use a nutrition calculator with the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you used.
## Conclusion
This Smoky Tomato & Chicken Pasta Bake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make, customizable, and packed with flavor. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a comforting and delicious meal that will have everyone asking for seconds! Whether you’re channeling your inner Thor or just looking for a simple and satisfying weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy! And don’t forget to share your creations and variations in the comments below! We’d love to hear what you think.