Deliciously Creamy Baked Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta

1. Boil the Water: Start by taking a saucepan large enough to hold the pasta. Add water (enough to fully submerge the pasta), 1 tbsp salt, and 2 tbsp oil. The salt adds flavor to the pasta while the oil prevents the pasta from sticking together.
2. Bring to a Boil: Heat the saucepan over medium-high heat until the water begins to boil.
3. Cook the Pasta: Once the water is boiling, add 1 packet of penne pasta. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions (usually around 8-10 minutes) until it’s al dente (firm to the bite).
4. Drain the Pasta: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and set it aside. You can drizzle a bit of oil over the pasta to keep it from sticking together if needed.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken and Vegetables

1. Heat Oil in the Pan: In a large pan or skillet, add 1 tbsp oil and heat over low flame. Use a neutral oil like vegetable or olive oil.
2. Sauté the Onions: Once the oil is heated, add 1 medium-sized chopped onion to the pan. Sauté the onions for about 2-3 minutes, or until they become soft and translucent. This will release their sweetness and add flavor to the dish.
3. Add the Garlic: Add 1 tbsp chopped garlic to the onions and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the garlic to release its aroma but not burn, so keep the heat low.
4. Cook the Chicken: Add 500g boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces. Stir the chicken occasionally, cooking for 4-5 minutes over medium-low heat, until the chicken turns white and is no longer pink in the center. You can check by cutting into a piece of chicken to make sure it's cooked through.
5. Season the Chicken: Add ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper powder, ½ tsp paprika powder, ½ tsp cumin powder, and ½ tsp oregano. Stir to coat the chicken and vegetables evenly in the spices. Let this cook for an additional 2-3 minutes so the spices can fully infuse into the chicken.

Step 3: Add Sauces and Capsicum

1. Add Chili Sauce and Ketchup: Pour in 2 tbsp chili sauce and 4 tbsp tomato ketchup. Stir everything together until the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauces. The ketchup will add a touch of sweetness, and the chili sauce will bring a bit of heat.
2. Add Capsicum: Add 1 medium-sized chopped capsicum (bell pepper) to the pan. Stir to combine, and cook for about 1 minute. The capsicum should be tender but still have some crunch. You can use red, yellow, or green capsicum for variety.
3. Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked penne pasta into the pan with the chicken and vegetable mixture. Stir everything together so that the pasta is coated with the flavorful sauce. Set the pan aside.

Step 4: Make the White Sauce

1. Melt Butter: In another pan (medium size), add 2 tbsp butter and heat it over low flame. Let the butter melt completely.
2. Cook the Flour: Add 1 tbsp all-purpose flour to the melted butter. Stir it constantly for about 2 minutes to form a smooth roux. This will thicken your sauce and remove the raw flour taste.
3. Add Milk: Gradually pour in 1 cup of milk, whisking constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Continue to cook over low heat for 1-2 minutes until the mixture starts to thicken into a smooth sauce.
4. Season the Sauce: Add ¼ tsp salt and ¼ tsp black pepper powder to the sauce. Stir well to incorporate the seasonings into the sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
5. Combine with Chicken Pasta: Once the white sauce has thickened, pour the chicken pasta mixture into the pan with the sauce. Stir everything together to ensure the pasta and chicken are well-coated in the creamy sauce. This should create a rich, smooth consistency.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) so it’s hot and ready to bake.
2. Transfer to Baking Dish: Take a baking dish (about 9x9 inches) and transfer the creamy chicken pasta mixture into it. Spread it evenly with a spoon or spatula to ensure the mixture is level.
3. Top with Cheese: Generously sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta. The cheese will melt and create a deliciously golden, bubbly topping. You can also add a bit of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
4. Sprinkle Oregano: Lightly sprinkle oregano over the top for extra flavor and aroma. You can also add red chili flakes if you like a little extra spice.

Step 6: Bake and Serve

1. Bake the Dish: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. This will melt the cheese and allow it to turn golden and bubbly on top.
2. Let it Cool: After baking, take the dish out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the sauce set and makes it easier to serve.
3. Serve Hot: Serve the dish hot, garnished with fresh herbs like basil or parsley if desired. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy baked chicken pasta!

Extra Tips:

• Make-Ahead: You can assemble the dish a day ahead and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and cook as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it's cold from the fridge.
• Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix cheddar, Parmesan, or any cheese you like for a different flavor profile.
• Add-ins: You can add extra veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or peas to the pasta mixture for more flavor and nutrients.

Enjoy this Deliciously Creamy Baked Chicken Pasta that's sure to be a hit with everyone!