Ground Chicken Pasta Bake with Mushrooms and Spinach (1 Hr, 15 Mins)

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Ground chicken pasta bake is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners.

This delicious pasta bake combines penne pasta with savory ground chicken, a rich red sauce, sautéed mushrooms, onions, spinach, and a generous layer of melted cheese on top.

It’s a complete meal in one dish that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table!

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6–8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 lb penne pasta
  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven (5 minutes):
    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
  2. Cook the pasta (10 minutes):
    • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Cook the ground chicken (10 minutes):
    • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
    • Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
    • Add the ground chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Add the vegetables (5 minutes):
    • Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
    • Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Combine with sauce and pasta (5 minutes):
    • Add the marinara sauce, dried basil, and dried oregano to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the sauce mixture. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce and vegetables.
  6. Assemble the pasta bake (5 minutes):
    • Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
    • Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the pasta.
  7. Bake the pasta (25-30 minutes):
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are slightly golden.
  8. Garnish and serve (5 minutes):
    • Remove the pasta bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.
    • Serve hot and enjoy your delicious ground chicken pasta bake!

Notes

For added flavor, you can mix in some red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or use Italian sausage instead of ground chicken.

This pasta bake can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights. Serve with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.

Enjoy baking and sharing this hearty and flavorful ground chicken pasta bake with your family and friends!

*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 (based on 8 servings)
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Fat: 17g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

Pair this with...

Grilled Eggplant

Start with a medium-sized eggplant and slice it into even rounds. About 1/2-inch thick is perfect. Before they hit the grill, brush each side with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, or if you're feeling fancy, maybe a hint of garlic powder or smoked paprika. Get that grill nice and hot, then lay the slices down. You're aiming for grill marks and a tender texture, which usually takes about 4-5 minutes per side. Just watch for flare-ups if you've been generous with the oil. When they’re soft and slightly charred, pull them off and give them a final sprinkle of fresh herbs, maybe some basil or parsley. Serve them up hot.

Tomato and Cucumber Salad

Begin with some ripe tomatoes and slice them into wedges. Take a cucumber and cut it into thin rounds. Mix them together in a bowl. Add a bit of olive oil and a splash of vinegar—red or white wine vinegar works best. Season with some salt and pepper to taste. If you've got some basil or dill on hand, you can chop that up and throw it in too.

Herbed Garlic Bread

Grab a fresh baguette or loaf of Italian bread and slice it as desired. In a bowl, mix together softened unsalted butter, finely minced garlic (the more, the merrier, but about 3-4 cloves should do), a good pinch of salt, and chopped fresh herbs. Parsley and basil are classics, but don't hesitate to throw in some oregano or rosemary if you're feeling adventurous. Spread this aromatic butter mix generously over the cut sides of your bread. Pop it under the broiler in your oven for about 2-4 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the butter is bubbling and fragrant. Keep a close eye on it, as broiling can quickly go from perfectly toasted to charred! Once done, slice it up and serve.

For Tomorrow's Dinner

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Savory Spinach and Mushroom Risotto (50 Minutes)

Bacon-Wrapped Sea Scallops (25 Minutes)

Sweet and Sour Asian Meatballs (30 Minutes)

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