Chicken N Spinach Pasta Bake
Indulge in the creamy, cheesy comfort of this Chicken N Spinach Pasta Bake, a hearty family dinner that's both satisfying and easy to make! Tender penne pasta is tossed with juicy, pan-seared chicken breast and fresh, wilted spinach, then coated in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce. Topped with a gooey layer of melted mozzarella and a hint of Italian seasoning, this oven-baked dish comes together in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With customizable spice levels, thanks to optional red pepper flakes, and a golden, bubbly crust, this recipe will quickly become a crowd-pleasing classic. Serve it warm with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for the ultimate Italian-inspired meal.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz Penne pasta
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 pieces Chicken breast
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 3 pieces Garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups Fresh spinach
- 1.5 cups Heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1.5 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 0.25 tsp Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with 0.5 tsp of salt and 0.25 tsp of black pepper. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet, let it rest for 3 minutes, then dice into bite-sized pieces.
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the spinach and cook, stirring frequently, until wilted, about 2 minutes.
Pour in the heavy cream and stir in 0.75 cup of Parmesan cheese. Add the cooked pasta, diced chicken, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the top with the shredded mozzarella cheese and the remaining 0.25 cup of Parmesan cheese. Finish with a sprinkle of Italian seasoning.
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling. For an extra golden crust, broil on high for 1-2 minutes at the end.
Let the pasta bake cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Chicken N Spinach Pasta Bake!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
570 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 37.1 g | 48% | |
| Saturated Fat | 20.1 g | 100% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 138 mg | 46% | |
| Sodium | 837 mg | 36% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 20.6 g | 7% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.0 g | 7% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.5 g | ||
| Protein | 34.3 g | 69% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 394 mg | 30% | |
| Iron | 2.0 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 217 mg | 5% | |
*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.
