Chicken Mushroom and Tarragon Pasta Bake

This Chicken Mushroom and Tarragon Pasta Bake is the kind of cozy dish that feels like a warm hug on a cold night. The creaminess of the light cheese sauce, paired with juicy chunks of chicken and earthy mushrooms, brings comfort to every bite. It’s beautifully balanced with fragrant tarragon, offering a slight anise-like freshness that cuts through the richness perfectly.

Ideal for busy weeknights or when you’re looking to impress guests without the stress, this pasta bake is both indulgent and lighter in calories. Whether served straight from the oven with a crisp green salad or packed up for next-day lunches, it’s a nourishing, satisfying meal that you’ll come back to again and again.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 300g uncooked pasta (penne or fusilli work best)

• 2 teaspoons olive oil

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 250g chicken breast, diced

• 250g mushrooms, sliced

• 1 tablespoon fresh tarragon, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)

• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

• 300ml chicken stock

• 150ml semi-skimmed milk

• 2 tablespoons light cream cheese

• 40g grated parmesan cheese

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

2. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant.

4. Add diced chicken breast and cook until lightly golden and no longer pink inside.

5. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until tender and most of the moisture has evaporated.

6. Stir in the tarragon and flour, mixing to coat the ingredients evenly.

7. Gradually add the chicken stock and milk, stirring constantly until the sauce begins to thicken.

8. Lower the heat and stir in the cream cheese and half the parmesan. Season with salt and black pepper.

9. Fold in the cooked pasta, ensuring everything is well-coated.

10. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with the remaining parmesan, and bake for 20 minutes or until golden and bubbling.

11. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving, if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Chicken Mushroom and Tarragon Pasta Bake – A Comfort Classic with a Flavorful Twist

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes offer the same level of satisfaction as a good pasta bake. This Chicken Mushroom and Tarragon Pasta Bake takes that cozy appeal and elevates it with rich, creamy textures, herbaceous depth, and a wholesome mix of protein, vegetables, and pasta. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight or prepping ahead for an easy lunch, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

What makes this pasta bake truly special is the thoughtful balance of ingredients. The mild flavor of chicken is enhanced by the umami richness of mushrooms, while the fresh tarragon adds an unexpected yet delightful herbal note that makes the whole dish taste gourmet. Finished off with a creamy sauce and a golden cheesy topping, this recipe hits all the right notes of indulgence — but in a way that’s still light and slimming-friendly.

The Origins and Inspiration Behind This Dish

While pasta bakes are beloved around the world, this particular combination of chicken, mushroom, and tarragon draws inspiration from French cooking. Tarragon is a classic French herb, often used in creamy chicken dishes and sauces like Béarnaise. Its slightly sweet, anise-like flavor pairs beautifully with poultry and adds a touch of sophistication that you don’t often find in everyday pasta casseroles.

This recipe brings those elegant French flavors into a casual, oven-baked format that’s practical for home cooks. It’s a fusion of rustic comfort and refined flavor — easy enough for beginners, impressive enough for dinner parties.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Mushroom and Tarragon Pasta Bake

Here are a few reasons why this dish deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation:

1. One-Dish Wonder

This recipe combines protein, carbs, and vegetables in a single dish. There’s no need to fuss over side dishes or extra prep — just a hearty meal that’s ready to enjoy straight from the oven.

2. Make-Ahead Friendly

You can prep the pasta bake in advance, refrigerate it, and then just bake it when you’re ready. It also reheats wonderfully, making it perfect for meal prep or batch cooking.

3. Slimming-Friendly Without Sacrificing Flavor

Made with lighter ingredients like semi-skimmed milk and low-fat cream cheese, this dish delivers the creamy goodness you crave without excessive calories. It’s ideal for those who want a satisfying meal while still watching their intake.

4. Family-Approved Flavors

Even picky eaters tend to love this dish. The mushrooms cook down into a mellow, savory base, and the creamy sauce is a hit with kids and adults alike.

5. Customizable

You can swap ingredients to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Use whole grain pasta for more fiber, toss in some spinach or kale for extra greens, or switch the chicken for turkey or tofu if you prefer a different protein.

Nutritional Benefits

Let’s break down some of the key nutritional elements:

• Chicken breast provides lean protein that supports muscle repair and keeps you feeling full longer.
• Mushrooms are low in calories but high in flavor and nutrients like selenium and B-vitamins.
• Tarragon not only brings flavor but has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Pasta (especially whole wheat or protein-enriched versions) gives you energy-sustaining carbs.
• Light cream cheese and semi-skimmed milk offer a creamy texture without overloading on fat.

Altogether, this dish clocks in at around 420 calories per serving, making it a wholesome choice that still feels indulgent.

Tips for Success

Here are a few tricks to get the best results every time:

• Sauté the mushrooms properly: Let them release their moisture and begin to brown — this deepens their flavor and prevents the dish from becoming watery.
• Use freshly grated cheese: It melts better and gives a more luxurious finish than pre-grated versions.
• Don’t skip the tarragon: It might not be the most common herb in your kitchen, but it truly makes a difference. Fresh tarragon is best, but dried will still deliver beautiful flavor.
• Rest before serving: Letting the bake rest for a few minutes out of the oven allows the sauce to thicken slightly, giving you neater slices and better texture.

Serving Suggestions

While this pasta bake is a full meal on its own, you can pair it with a few simple sides to stretch it further or create a full dinner spread:

• A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Garlic bread or a crusty baguette
• Roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli
• A glass of dry white wine or sparkling water with lemon

It’s also fantastic for leftovers. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze in individual portions for up to a month. Reheat in the oven or microwave with a splash of water to maintain moisture.

Final Thoughts

The Chicken Mushroom and Tarragon Pasta Bake is everything you want in a comfort meal: warm, creamy, flavorful, and satisfying — without being heavy or overly rich. It’s easy to prepare, endlessly adaptable, and makes both a cozy dinner and a reliable meal prep option.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or simply want a feel-good dish that doesn’t compromise on taste, this recipe is a winner in every category. Try it once, and you’ll see why it’s quickly becoming a favorite in so many kitchens.

Conclusion

This Chicken Mushroom and Tarragon Pasta Bake brings together the best of comfort food and elevated flavor. With tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, a creamy yet light sauce, and the subtle elegance of tarragon, it’s a dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly slimming-friendly. It’s quick enough for a weeknight, satisfying enough for a family meal, and elegant enough for guests. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, this recipe is a reliable go-to you’ll come back to again and again. Give it a try, and discover just how delicious simplicity can be.