Chicken and Spinach Pasta Bake
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this hearty Chicken and Spinach Pasta Bake, a crowd-pleasing dish that's perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Tender penne pasta is layered with juicy, seasoned chicken, sautéed garlic-spinach, and a luxuriously creamy cheese sauce made with cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Topped with a golden, bubbly cheese crust and a hint of paprika, this irresistible bake comes together in under an hour and serves six generously. Packed with protein, greens, and cheesy goodness, this easy pasta casserole is a delicious way to bring everyone to the table. Serve it with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete, soul-satisfying meal!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Penne pasta
- 1 pound Chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 3 pieces Garlic cloves
- 4 cups Fresh spinach
- 1.5 teaspoons Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 2.5 cups Milk
- 4 ounces Cream cheese
- 2 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cups Grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 teaspoons Paprika
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet, let it cool slightly, then dice into bite-sized pieces.
In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring the mixture is smooth. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
Add the cream cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, and the remaining salt and pepper. Stir until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced chicken, sautéed spinach, and cheese sauce. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling, and the top is a golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let the pasta bake cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4034 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 186.1 g | 239% | |
| Saturated Fat | 87.9 g | 440% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 7.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 826 mg | 275% | |
| Sodium | 8077 mg | 351% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 313.7 g | 114% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.8 g | 60% | |
| Total Sugars | 34.4 g | ||
| Protein | 274.9 g | 550% | |
| Vitamin D | 6.8 mcg | 34% | |
| Calcium | 3134 mg | 241% | |
| Iron | 20.1 mg | 112% | |
| Potassium | 3184 mg | 68% | |
*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.
