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In the realm of comforting meals, few dishes can rival the warmth and satisfaction of a creamy pasta bake. The Creamy Spinach and Chicken Pasta Bake is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that not only satiates your hunger but also brings joy to your dining table. With its rich, creamy sauce, tender chicken, and nutritious spinach, this dish is perfect for family gatherings, weeknight dinners, or even meal prep. The appeal of this recipe lies in its ability to blend convenience with wholesome ingredients, making it a go-to favorite for many home cooks.

Creamy Spinach and Chicken Pasta Bake

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Spinach and Chicken Pasta Bake. This delightful dish features tender chicken, nutritious spinach, and a rich, creamy sauce that brings warmth to any table. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, it's easy to whip up and full of wholesome ingredients. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a deliciously indulgent pasta bake that's sure to impress and satisfy everyone. Get ready for a cozy culinary experience!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz (225g) penne pasta

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced

2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium onion, diced

1 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper, to taste

Olive oil, for cooking

Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

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

    Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

      Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

        Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if necessary. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened, then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

          Add Spinach: Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.

            Mix the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, heavy cream, and half of the mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup), along with the cooked chicken, sautéed spinach, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until well combined.

              Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained penne pasta to the sauce mixture, stirring gently until the pasta is fully coated.

                Assemble the Bake: Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly and top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.

                  Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

                    Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy spinach and chicken pasta bake!

                      Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Servings: 6