Heart-Healthy Cheesy Comfort Casserole
Indulge in the warmth of comfort food without sacrificing your health with this Heart-Healthy Cheesy Comfort Casserole. Packed with whole grain penne pasta, nutrient-rich baby spinach, and lean shredded chicken, this dish is a perfect blend of wholesome ingredients and indulgent flavors. The creamy mix of low-fat ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses delivers all the satisfaction of a classic casserole, while diced tomatoes, fresh basil, and a hint of oregano add a bright, savory touch. With just 20 minutes of prep time and a quick bake in the oven, this hearty and healthy casserole makes for an easy, family-friendly meal that will delight your taste buds and nourish your body. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it’s a delicious way to enjoy a guilt-free comfort food experience!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 ounces whole grain penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 units garlic cloves, minced
- 5 cups baby spinach leaves
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes, low sodium
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
- 1 cup low-fat ricotta cheese
- 1 cup low-fat mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 0.25 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the whole grain penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the spinach leaves to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until wilted, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the diced tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
Combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and the tomato-spinach mixture in a large bowl.
Stir in the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and half of the parmesan cheese.
Add the chopped basil, dried oregano, and black pepper. Mix everything until well combined.
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese on top.
Cover with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your heart-healthy meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2602 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 81.7 g | 105% | |
| Saturated Fat | 36.7 g | 184% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 580 mg | 193% | |
| Sodium | 1787 mg | 78% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 215.6 g | 78% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 27.2 g | 97% | |
| Total Sugars | 26.2 g | ||
| Protein | 251.8 g | 504% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 2085 mg | 160% | |
| Iron | 22.8 mg | 127% | |
| Potassium | 3704 mg | 79% | |
*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.
