Go Back
- 8 ounces penne pasta - 2 chicken breasts, diced - 2 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained) - 1 medium onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 4 ounces cream cheese, softened - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta Bake

Indulge in the comfort of a Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta Bake that combines tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and perfectly cooked penne pasta, all enveloped in a rich and creamy sauce. This crowd-pleaser is ideal for family dinners or meal prep, bringing a delicious blend of flavors that everyone will enjoy. Discover the step-by-step preparation process and key ingredients that make this dish a favorite for any occasion. Enjoy the creamy goodness!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

300g (10.5 oz) penne pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil

500g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 onion, diced

200g (7 oz) fresh spinach (or 100g frozen spinach, thawed)

400ml (13.5 fl oz) heavy cream

200g (7 oz) cream cheese, softened

150g (5 oz) grated mozzarella cheese

50g (1.7 oz) freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: Red pepper flakes for a kick

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).

    Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook for 2 minutes less than the package instructions for al dente (it will continue cooking in the oven). Drain and set aside.

      Sauté Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden. Remove from skillet and set aside.

        Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted (if using frozen spinach, ensure it is heated through).

          Make the Sauce: Lower the heat to medium, then add the heavy cream and cream cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and stir to combine. Mix in half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese, reserving the rest for topping.

            Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the creamy chicken and spinach mixture, and stir until the pasta is evenly coated.

              Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch (or similar size) baking dish. Spread it evenly and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.

                Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.

                  Serve: Remove from oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Optional: sprinkle with red pepper flakes for an extra kick and enjoy your creamy chicken and spinach pasta bake!

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 45 minutes | 4-6 servings