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!

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

Find it online: https://www.heresyourdinner.com/ground-chicken-pasta-bake-with-mushrooms-and-spinach-1-hr-15-mins/