Heart-Healthy Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake
Indulge in comfort food without compromising your health with this Heart-Healthy Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake! Featuring nutrient-packed whole-grain pasta, lean chicken breast, and antioxidant-rich baby spinach, this wholesome dish is elevated by a blend of reduced-fat ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses for a guilt-free creamy texture. A hint of dried basil and oregano adds a delightful herby finish, while low-sodium chicken broth keeps it light yet flavorful. Ready in just under an hour, this satisfying pasta bake is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, offering six hearty servings that are as nourishing as they are delicious. Healthy, cheesy, and irresistibly comforting—this recipe is sure to become a family favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Whole-grain pasta
- 1 pound Chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 cup Low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 cups Baby spinach
- 1 cup Reduced-fat ricotta cheese
- 1 cup Reduced-fat mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Dried basil
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish lightly with olive oil or non-stick spray.
Cook the whole-grain pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
Stir in the baby spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken and spinach mixture, reduced-fat ricotta cheese, reduced-fat mozzarella cheese, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, and dried basil over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Allow the bake to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your heart-healthy cheesy chicken pasta bake!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2040 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 84.6 g | 108% | |
| Saturated Fat | 38.8 g | 194% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 570 mg | 190% | |
| Sodium | 3181 mg | 138% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 116.6 g | 42% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.0 g | 57% | |
| Total Sugars | 14.1 g | ||
| Protein | 223.2 g | 446% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 2108 mg | 162% | |
| Iron | 12.2 mg | 68% | |
| Potassium | 1922 mg | 41% | |
*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.
