Creamy Butternut Squash and Chicken Penne Bake
Indulge in the comforting flavors of fall and winter with this creamy and satisfying Butternut Squash and Chicken Penne Bake. Featuring tender pasta enveloped in a rich cheesy sauce with roasted butternut squash, savory chicken, crispy bacon, and vibrant spinach, this dish is designed to please even the pickiest eaters. No long roasting times here – this quick and easy casserole blends wholesome ingredients into a family-friendly meal that's perfect for cozy nights in. Trust us; your kids might just ask for seconds!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butternut Squash
3 cups (peeled and cubed)
Bacon
4-5 slices (cooked and crumbled)
Chicken Breast
1 lb (boneless, skinless, cut into bite-size pieces)
Baby Spinach
3 cups (rough chopped)
Onion
1 medium (sliced)
Garlic Cloves
2 (minced)
Penne Pasta
1 lb (uncooked)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Ground Black Pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Dried Sage
1/4 teaspoon
Dried Red Pepper Flakes
1/4 teaspoon
Olive Oil
1 tablespoon
Flour
1/4 cup
Milk
2 cups
Italian Cheese Blend
1/3 cup (parmesan, reggiano, asiago, provolone, etc.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Generously spray a 13x9-inch baking dish with non-stick spray, ensuring it’s well-coated to prevent sticking. In a large pot, bring 5 quarts of water to a boil and add a liberal amount of salt to taste.
2
In a large non-stick skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease but reserve about 3 tablespoons of the rendered fat in the skillet.
3
Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet with the reserved bacon fat. Cook the chicken for approximately 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is no longer pink in the center. Tent with foil to keep warm and set aside.
4
Add enough olive oil to coat the base of the skillet, then introduce the cubed butternut squash, along with the remaining salt, pepper, and dried sage. Cover the skillet and stir occasionally for 5-7 minutes, until the squash is sem-soft. Next, add the sliced onion and continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes until the onion is translucent.
5
Stir in the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and rough-chopped baby spinach. Sauté the mixture until the spinach wilts, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat.
6
While preparing the butternut squash mixture, cook the penne pasta in the boiling salted water for approximately 7 minutes, just enough to be slightly undercooked (al dente) since it will cook more in the oven.
7
In a separate saucepan, melt the flour over medium heat. Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to whisk until the mixture comes to a boil. Allow it to boil for 2 minutes or until it thickens noticeably, then remove from heat and stir in the Italian cheese blend until melted and smooth.
8
Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked, drained pasta, and then fold in the butternut squash mixture along with the warm bacon and chicken. If the mixture is too thick, feel free to add a bit more milk for desired creaminess.
9
Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared 13x9-inch baking dish. If desired, sprinkle additional cheese over the top for an extra cheesy finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbling.
10
Once baked, allow the dish to cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving. Enjoy this hearty and flavorful penne bake with your family!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Creamy Butternut Squash and Chicken Penne Bake?
It is a comforting fall and winter pasta dish featuring tender penne, roasted butternut squash, chicken, bacon, and spinach in a rich, cheesy sauce.
What oven temperature is required for this recipe?
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) before baking the casserole.
What size baking dish should I use?
A 13x9-inch baking dish is recommended for this penne bake.
How do I prepare the butternut squash?
The squash should be peeled and cut into 3 cups of bite-sized cubes.
Should I cook the bacon before adding it to the bake?
Yes, cook 4-5 slices of bacon until crispy, then crumble them before folding into the pasta.
Why should I reserve the bacon fat?
Reserved bacon fat is used to cook the chicken, adding extra savory flavor to the meat.
How should the chicken be prepared?
Use 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into bite-size pieces and season with salt and pepper.
How long does it take to cook the chicken in the skillet?
Cook the chicken for approximately 4 minutes until it is no longer pink in the center.
What seasonings are used in this squash bake?
The dish is seasoned with salt, ground black pepper, dried sage, and dried red pepper flakes.
How long do I sauté the butternut squash?
Sauté the cubed squash in a covered skillet for 5-7 minutes until it is semi-soft.
When do I add the onion?
Add the sliced onion after the squash is semi-soft and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes.
How much spinach is included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of rough-chopped baby spinach.
How long should the penne pasta be boiled?
Boil the penne for approximately 7 minutes so it is al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
What ingredients make up the creamy sauce?
The sauce is made from a roux of flour and milk, combined with an Italian cheese blend.
What types of cheese are in the Italian cheese blend?
The blend typically includes parmesan, reggiano, asiago, and provolone.
How much cheese is used in the sauce?
The sauce uses 1/3 cup of the Italian cheese blend, though more can be added on top.
What should I do if the pasta mixture seems too thick?
You can add a bit more milk to the mixture to reach your desired level of creaminess.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
Bake the dish for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is golden brown and bubbling.
Does the dish need to rest after baking?
Yes, allow the bake to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving to let the sauce set.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, it is designed to be family-friendly and is a great way to serve vegetables like squash and spinach to children.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
You can make it vegetarian by omitting the chicken and bacon and using olive oil instead of bacon fat.
What type of pasta works best besides penne?
While penne is suggested, other short pasta shapes like rotini or rigatoni would also work well.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe uses 2 minced garlic cloves.
Can I use frozen squash?
Fresh cubed squash is recommended, but frozen squash can be used if thawed and patted dry first.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking to the dish?
Generously spray the 13x9-inch baking dish with non-stick spray before adding the mixture.
What provides the 'fall' flavor in this recipe?
The combination of butternut squash and dried sage creates a signature autumn flavor profile.
Is there a spicy kick to this dish?
The recipe includes 1/4 teaspoon of dried red pepper flakes for a very mild hint of heat.
Can I use heavy cream instead of milk?
Yes, substituting heavy cream for some of the milk will result in an even richer sauce.
What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F or in the microwave with a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.
Can I add other vegetables to this bake?
Yes, peas or roasted red peppers would be excellent additions to this versatile casserole.