Introduction
Cheesy Delight: Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta Bake is a comforting dish that brings together the savory flavors of tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a medley of rich cheeses. This pasta bake is a perfect choice for family dinners, meal prep, or potluck gatherings, ensuring that everyone at the table leaves satisfied. The creamy texture and delicious taste make it not only a delightful treat but also a clever way to sneak in some nutritious vegetables. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a hearty weeknight meal, this recipe promises to be a hit.
Overview of the Recipe
This creamy pasta bake features penne pasta as the hearty base, combined with chicken and spinach, all enveloped in a luxurious cheese sauce. The total preparation time is approximately 30 minutes, with an additional 30 minutes for baking, making it a relatively quick dish for a weeknight. This recipe serves about six people, ensuring leftovers for lunches or future dinners. Key ingredients include penne pasta, chicken breast, fresh spinach, ricotta cheese, cream, mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning, which all come together to create a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
– 8 ounces of penne pasta
– 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
– 4 cups of fresh spinach
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup of ricotta cheese
– 1 cup of heavy cream
– 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
– 1 cup of chicken broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, ensuring it does not burn.
5. Add the diced chicken to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes.
6. Once the chicken is fully cooked, add the fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir until the spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes.
7. In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, heavy cream, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
8. Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine, creating a rich sauce.
9. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the chicken and spinach mixture. Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and stir until everything is evenly coated.
10. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Ingredients Breakdown
The foundation of this dish is the penne pasta, which provides a hearty base for the creamy sauce and other ingredients. Penne is ideal for holding onto the sauce due to its ridged surface, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor.
Chicken and spinach are the stars of this dish, offering a balanced mix of protein and essential vitamins. Chicken breast is lean and provides a great source of protein, while spinach is rich in iron and other vitamins, contributing to the overall nutritional value of the meal.
The cheese varieties used in this recipe play a crucial role in achieving that desired creamy texture and rich flavor. Ricotta cheese adds a smoothness, heavy cream enhances the richness, while mozzarella provides stretchiness and a gooey finish. Parmesan cheese adds depth and a salty kick, making the dish even more indulgent.
Italian seasoning elevates the flavor profile of the dish, incorporating a blend of herbs that complement the chicken and spinach perfectly. Lastly, chicken broth adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients together, ensuring a smooth consistency in the sauce.
Preparation Steps
Cooking the pasta to the al dente stage is vital for this recipe. Follow the package instructions carefully, ensuring you do not overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook during baking.
When sautéing the onion and garlic, aim for a fragrant aroma and a light golden color, which indicates that they are perfectly cooked and ready to enhance the dish’s flavor.
Adding the chicken and spinach should be done carefully. Cook the chicken until it is no longer pink, and when adding spinach, stir just until it wilts—overcooked spinach can lose its vibrant color and nutrients.
Creating the cheese sauce requires attention to detail. Combine the cheeses and cream thoroughly, mixing until you achieve a creamy consistency that will envelop the pasta and chicken mixture beautifully.
Combining the Pasta, Chicken, Spinach, and Sauce
Achieving an even coating of the pasta, chicken, spinach, and sauce is crucial for ensuring every bite is a burst of flavor. Start by cooking the pasta until it is al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Once drained, return the pasta to the pot and add the cooked chicken, sautéed spinach, and the creamy sauce. Gently stir the mixture, using a spatula to fold the ingredients together. The goal is to ensure every piece of pasta is coated with the sauce, allowing the creamy goodness to cling effectively.
Baking the Pasta Bake
Transferring to the Baking Dish
Once your mixture is well combined, it’s time to transfer it into a greased baking dish. Greasing the dish with butter or non-stick spray helps prevent the pasta bake from sticking, making it easier to serve. Spread the mixture evenly in the dish, ensuring it is level for uniform baking.
Topping with Cheese
To achieve that golden, bubbly finish, generously sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top of the pasta bake. This layer not only enhances the flavor but also creates a delightful crust as it bakes.
Baking Time and Temperature
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the pasta dish for approximately 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking; a light golden color on the cheese indicates that your dish is ready. If you prefer a crispier top, consider broiling it for a minute or two at the end of the baking time, but watch closely to avoid burning.
Serving Suggestions
Garnishing for Flavor
For an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal, garnish your creamy pasta bake with fresh basil leaves just before serving. This not only enhances the dish’s presentation but also adds a burst of freshness that complements the richness of the cheese and sauce.
Ideal Pairings
Pair your pasta bake with a simple side salad, such as a mixed greens salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette. The crispness of the salad balances the creamy pasta, creating a well-rounded meal. Alternatively, serve with garlic bread or steamed vegetables for a heartier accompaniment that will satisfy all appetites.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of the creamy chicken and spinach pasta bake typically contains around 450 calories, with approximately 25 grams of protein, 18 grams of fat, and 45 grams of carbohydrates. The inclusion of spinach not only adds vibrant color but also provides a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, and iron. Lean chicken breast serves as an excellent source of protein, making this dish a balanced option for a comforting meal.
Conclusion
The “Cheesy Delight: Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta Bake” is a comforting, rich, and satisfying dish that is easy to prepare and perfect for any dinner table. Its creamy texture, combined with the flavors of chicken and spinach, offers a delightful meal experience. Embrace the joy of cooking this dish for yourself and your loved ones, celebrating the wholesome ingredients and flavors that make it a favorite in many households. Enjoy this delicious pasta bake as a centerpiece of your next family dinner or gathering.
