Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with this mouthwatering Chicken Spinach and Tomato Pasta Bake! Imagine a perfect harmony of tender pasta, vibrant spinach, juicy tomatoes, and melted cheese that will have your family begging for seconds. This Italian-inspired dish is not just a meal; it's a flavor explosion that combines simplicity with gourmet deliciousness in just 45 minutes of total cooking time.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add the diced tomatoes with their juice to the skillet. Stir in dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Add fresh spinach to the sauce and cook for 1-2 minutes until the spinach wilts and becomes tender.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, tomato-spinach sauce, half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set and makes it easier to portion.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Pair with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Tips
- For the best texture, cook your pasta just until al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Use fresh spinach for maximum flavor and nutritional value.
- Don't skip the resting time after baking - it helps the dish set and makes serving easier.
- For extra richness, you can add a splash of cream to the tomato sauce.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations like adding some sharp cheddar for depth of flavor.
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can elevate the dish's presentation and taste.
- If you want to make it ahead, you can assemble the dish and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.
- For a crispy top, broil the pasta bake for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 372kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 28mg
