Chicken and spinach pasta bake
Delight in the delicious flavors of our Chicken and Spinach Pasta Bake! Made with whole-wheat pasta, tender chicken breasts, fresh spinach, and a creamy sauce flavored with garlic, onion, basil, and oregano. This hearty and nutritious dish is topped with a savory blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, perfect for a weeknight meal. Enjoy a wholesome pasta bake that's both comforting and packed with protein and vegetables. Easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family!
- 02 Jun 2025
- Cook time 50 min
- Prep time 20 min
- 8 Servings
- 19 Ingredients
Get ready to enjoy a hearty and nutritious Chicken and Spinach Pasta Bake, perfect for a cozy family dinner or a meal prep solution that will leave everyone satisfied. This recipe combines whole-wheat pasta, tender chicken, leafy spinach, and a creamy cheese sauce to create a delicious and filling dish.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the whole-wheat pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the spinach and cook until wilted. Remove and set aside.
- Season the chicken breasts with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon white pepper, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, and 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano.
- In the same large pan, heat another 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook until they are no longer pink in the center and juices run clear, about 6-8 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and let cool.
- Once cool, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- In the same pan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for about 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in the 1 cup of milk until smooth and thickened.
- Add the softened cream cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
- Add the 3/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mix well and bring to a simmer.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, wilted spinach, and chicken pieces.
- Pour the sauce over the mixture and stir to combine evenly.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Enjoy your delicious Chicken and Spinach Pasta Bake!
Tips:
- Pre-cook the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and cook them thoroughly before adding to the pasta bake. This ensures the chicken is fully cooked and tender in the final dish.
- Use fresh spinach: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh spinach. If using frozen spinach, be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to avoid excess water in the bake.
- Mix the cheese sauce well: Whisk the flour and milk mixture constantly to avoid any lumps and ensure a smooth, creamy sauce. Adding cream cheese and grated parmesan will create a rich and flavorful base for the pasta.
- Layer the ingredients evenly: Evenly layer the pasta, chicken, spinach, and cheese sauce in the baking dish to ensure each bite is well-mixed and flavorful. Finish with a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese for a golden, bubbly top.
- Bake until bubbly: Bake the pasta until it’s golden brown and bubbly on top, which typically takes around 20-25 minutes in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). This gives the bake a deliciously crunchy crust.
- Let it rest: Allow the pasta bake to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps the flavors meld together and makes it easier to serve.
There you have it – a delicious Chicken and Spinach Pasta Bake that's both healthy and satisfying. This dish is sure to become a favorite in your household, and it's great for leftovers too. Enjoy the rich flavors and comforting textures of this homemade pasta bake!
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 230 grams |
| Energy | |
| Calories 300kcal | 15% |
| Protein | |
| Protein 24g | 17% |
| Carbohydrates | |
| Carbohydrates 24g | 7% |
| Fiber 2.94g | 8% |
| Sugar 4.19g | 4% |
| Fat | |
| Fat 16g | 19% |
| Saturated 6g | 21% |
| Cholesterol 70mg | - |
| Vitamins | |
| Vitamin A 190ug | 21% |
| Choline 70mg | 12% |
| Vitamin B1 0.21mg | 17% |
| Vitamin B2 0.36mg | 28% |
| Vitamin B3 7mg | 47% |
| Vitamin B6 0.63mg | 37% |
| Vitamin B9 54ug | 14% |
| Vitamin B12 0.74ug | 31% |
| Vitamin C 9mg | 10% |
| Vitamin E 1.17mg | 8% |
| Vitamin K 130ug | 110% |
| Minerals | |
| Calcium, Ca 250mg | 19% |
| Copper, Cu 0.20mg | 22% |
| Iron, Fe 1.75mg | 16% |
| Magnesium, Mg 88mg | 20% |
| Phosphorus, P 380mg | 30% |
| Potassium, K 530mg | 16% |
| Selenium, Se 40ug | 73% |
| Sodium, Na 700mg | 47% |
| Zinc, Zn 2.23mg | 20% |
| Water | |
| Water 160g | - |
| * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. | |
More recipes
Roast chicken with pistachio and cranberry stuffing
Perfect for any occasion, this dish combines the festive flavors of pistachios and cranberries, offering a unique and memorable dining experience.
07 Mar 2025Protein-packed peanut butter banana oatmeal pancakes
Delicious and easy to make, they offer a balanced blend of protein, fiber, and flavor.
22 May 2025Cranberry muffins
This easy recipe combines self-raising flour, buttermilk, olive oil, and a touch of brown sugar for perfectly moist and flavorful muffins.
04 Mar 2025Baileys chocolate and walnut microwave brownies
Ready in minutes, they're the ideal dessert for any chocolate lover.
29 Apr 2025