Chicken, Spinach, and Cheese Pasta Bake
A comforting pasta dish with cheesy goodness, tender chicken, and wholesome greens.
Servings: 6 servings
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large Skillet
- Baking Dish
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces penne pasta
Chicken
- 3 cups chopped cooked chicken
Vegetables
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 10 ounces fresh spinach
Canned Goods
- 14 ounces Italian-style diced tomatoes with juices
Cheese
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly oil a large baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until it softens and turns translucent.
- Stir in the chopped cooked chicken and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add the can of Italian-style diced tomatoes (with juices) and the spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts, about 3-4 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and blend in the softened cream cheese. Stir constantly until the mixture turns creamy and smooth.
- Fold the cooked pasta into the skillet, mixing well to ensure every bite is coated with the luscious sauce.
- Pour the pasta mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Let cool for a few minutes, then serve warm—watch everyone run for seconds!
Notes
Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. Warm garlic bread is also a great addition.