This recipe combines tender chicken, al dente penne pasta, creamy alfredo sauce, and vibrant spinach, all baked to perfection. It’s a delightful twist on the classic pasta bake, adding a healthy dose of greens to the mix. Imagine digging into a cheesy, creamy casserole with every bite packed with savory goodness. Its balance of flavors and textures will leave you wanting more!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, Alfredo sauce, spinach, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle some additional mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese on top for an extra cheesy crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
You can use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time. If using raw chicken, cook it beforehand and shred or dice it. Feel free to add other vegetables to the pasta bake, such as roasted bell peppers or sun-dried tomatoes, for added flavor and color. For a lighter version, you can use a low-fat or light Alfredo sauce. For an extra crunch, feel free to toss some Italian breadcrumbs onto the top of the pasta dish before baking. Let the pasta bake cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven to allow the sauce to thicken slightly before serving. Enjoy!
*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
