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!
- 22 Jan 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. | |
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