Imagine a dish that combines the lean protein of ground chicken, the nutritious punch of spinach, and the comforting embrace of cheesy noodles - all baked to golden perfection! This Ground Chicken Spinach Noodle Bake is not just another weeknight dinner; it's a culinary adventure that will transform your meal routine from mundane to magnificent. Perfect for busy families, health-conscious foodies, and anyone craving a delicious, one-pan wonder that promises maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6-8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 cup noodles of your choice
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the noodles according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add a tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the diced onions until they become translucent and soft, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add ground chicken to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink and has developed a light golden color, approximately 6-7 minutes.
- Squeeze out excess moisture from the thawed frozen spinach and add it to the chicken mixture. Stir to combine thoroughly.
- Season the chicken and spinach mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- In the prepared baking dish, layer the cooked noodles as the base, then spread the chicken and spinach mixture evenly on top.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the entire surface, ensuring even coverage.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and make cutting easier.
- Slice into portions and serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or basil if desired.
Tips
- For extra flavor, consider using fresh spinach instead of frozen, or mix both for added texture.
- Make sure to thoroughly drain the spinach to prevent a watery dish.
- Use a high-quality mozzarella for the best melting and flavor profile.
- Don't overcook the chicken - aim for a light golden color to keep it tender.
- Let the dish rest after baking to allow flavors to meld and make serving easier.
- For a low-carb version, substitute noodles with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like adding some parmesan for depth of flavor.
- Prep ingredients in advance to make cooking faster and more streamlined.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 139kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 30mg
