3 Cheese Chicken Spinach Pasta Bake
Turn dinner into a decadent treat with this 3 Cheese Chicken Spinach Pasta Bake, a crowd-pleasing comfort food that perfectly balances creamy indulgence with hearty nutrition. Featuring tender rigatoni pasta, bite-sized chunks of seasoned chicken, and a luscious trio of cheeses—ricotta, cream cheese, and Parmesan—this recipe is elevated further with sautéed garlic, vibrant baby spinach, and rich marinara sauce. Topped with melted mozzarella and baked to bubbly perfection, this dish offers a satisfying blend of flavors and textures in every bite. Ready in under an hour, it’s a family-friendly meal ideal for busy weeknights or a flavorful centerpiece for casual gatherings. Don't forget the optional red pepper flakes for a touch of spice! Perfect for lovers of baked pasta recipes, creamy chicken dishes, and easy comfort food classics.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 cups baby spinach
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cup milk
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with 1 teaspoon of salt and 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper, then cook for 5-6 minutes per side or until fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, then add the baby spinach. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until wilted, stirring occasionally.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and milk. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Add the cooked pasta, sliced chicken, sautéed spinach, marinara sauce, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the cheese mixture. Gently toss everything together until evenly combined.
Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Remove the pasta bake from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious 3 Cheese Chicken Spinach Pasta Bake!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3402 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 183.3 g | 235% | |
| Saturated Fat | 88.3 g | 442% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 889 mg | 296% | |
| Sodium | 6176 mg | 269% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 164.8 g | 60% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.1 g | 50% | |
| Total Sugars | 28.0 g | ||
| Protein | 271.6 g | 543% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.5 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 3590 mg | 276% | |
| Iron | 16.9 mg | 94% | |
| Potassium | 2075 mg | 44% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
