Creamy Spinach & Three Cheese Chicken Penne Bake
Indulge in a deliciously creamy and cheesy Chicken Penne Pasta Bake that's perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. This dish combines tender chicken, multigrain penne pasta, and vibrant baby spinach into a savory baked casserole. The addition of rich cream cheese and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses creates a bubbling, golden topping that promises to satisfy everyone's cravings. Serve this comforting meal hot out of the oven for a delightful experience that makes any occasion special.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
multigrain penne pasta
1.5 cups (uncooked)
fresh baby spinach leaves
1 package (283 g) (washed)
boneless skinless chicken breast
1 lb (cut into bite-size pieces)
dried basil leaves
1 tsp (crushed)
pasta sauce
1.5 cups (jarred)
diced tomatoes
2 cups (drained)
light cream cheese spread
1/4 cup (softened)
shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1 cup (divided)
grated lowfat parmesan cheese
2 tbsp (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large pot, cook the multigrain penne pasta according to the package instructions. For the last minute of cooking, add the fresh baby spinach leaves to the boiling water to wilt them.
2
While the pasta is cooking, heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and spray with cooking spray. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and dried basil. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chicken turns white and is no longer pink.
3
Pour the jarred pasta sauce and the drained diced tomatoes into the skillet with the chicken. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for an additional 3 minutes, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked.
4
Stir in the light cream cheese spread and mix until it has melted into the sauce, creating a creamy consistency.
5
Once the pasta and spinach are cooked, drain them well and return them to the same pot. Add the chicken mixture from the skillet and gently combine. Mix in 1/2 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
6
Transfer the mixture into a 2-liter or 8-inch square baking dish. Spread it evenly across the dish.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the dish is heated through. Remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and the grated low-fat Parmesan cheese on top.
8
Return to the oven and bake for an additional 3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy delight!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this dish?
The dish is called Creamy Spinach & Three Cheese Chicken Penne Bake.
What are the three cheeses used in this recipe?
The three cheeses used are light cream cheese spread, shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, and grated low-fat Parmesan cheese.
What type of pasta should I use?
The recipe calls for 1.5 cups of uncooked multigrain penne pasta.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
How do I prepare the baby spinach?
Add the fresh baby spinach leaves to the boiling pasta water during the last minute of cooking to wilt them.
How should the chicken be cut?
The boneless skinless chicken breast should be cut into bite-size pieces.
What seasoning is used for the chicken?
The chicken is seasoned with 1 teaspoon of crushed dried basil leaves.
What ingredients make up the sauce base?
The sauce is made from 1.5 cups of jarred pasta sauce and 2 cups of drained diced tomatoes.
How do I make the sauce creamy?
Stir in 1/4 cup of softened light cream cheese spread until it melts into the sauce.
How much mozzarella cheese is needed?
A total of 1 cup of shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese is used, divided between the mixture and the topping.
What size baking dish is required?
You should use a 2-liter or 8-inch square baking dish.
How long does the chicken need to cook in the skillet?
Cook the chicken for about 3 minutes until white, then simmer with sauce for an additional 3 minutes.
How long do I bake the casserole initially?
Bake the dish for 20 minutes or until it is heated through.
What is the final baking step for the cheese?
After adding the remaining cheese, bake for an additional 3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Should the diced tomatoes be drained?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 2 cups of drained diced tomatoes.
When do I add the first portion of mozzarella?
Mix 1/2 cup of the shredded mozzarella into the pasta and chicken mixture before transferring it to the baking dish.
What type of Parmesan cheese is used for the topping?
The topping uses 2 tablespoons of grated low-fat Parmesan cheese.
How much chicken is required?
The recipe requires 1 lb of boneless skinless chicken breast.
Is the pasta cooked before baking?
Yes, cook the penne according to the package instructions before mixing it with other ingredients.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and start cooking the pasta.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total.
What kind of cream cheese should I use?
Use softened light cream cheese spread.
How do I know when the chicken is ready in the skillet?
The chicken is ready when it turns white and is no longer pink.
Can I use fresh basil?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of crushed dried basil leaves, but fresh could likely be substituted.
Is this dish considered a casserole?
Yes, it is described as a savory baked casserole.
Should the dish cool before serving?
Yes, allow the dish to cool slightly before serving.
What provides the golden topping?
The blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses creates the golden, bubbling topping.
What are some tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include chicken, pasta bake, cheesy, spinach, and comfort food.
Is this a good meal for guests?
Yes, the description notes it is perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The dish is described as a creamy and cheesy delight with a bubbling topping.