Easy Chicken Spinach and Tomato Pasta Bake Recipe

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature will ensure that the pasta bake cooks through evenly, with the top becoming golden and bubbly.

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2. Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta (about 12 oz) and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Pro Tip: To prevent the pasta from sticking together, drizzle a little olive oil over it once drained.

3. Cook the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breast pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink and has browned slightly on the outside.

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature— it should reach 165°F (75°C) to be fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Pro Tip: For added flavor, season the chicken with a little garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika before cooking.

4. Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed and sauté the onion over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

5. Prepare the Tomato Sauce

Add the canned diced tomatoes (or fresh tomatoes), marinara sauce, and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Pro Tip: You can also use a blender to puree the tomatoes for a smoother sauce, or leave them chunky for more texture.

6. Add the Spinach

Stir in the chopped spinach and let it wilt into the sauce. This should take 1-2 minutes, as spinach wilts quickly. Once the spinach is wilted, return the cooked chicken to the pan and stir everything together.

7. Combine with Pasta

In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the sauce mixture. Stir well to ensure that the pasta is fully coated with the sauce, chicken, and spinach.

8. Assemble the Pasta Bake

Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly and top with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.

9. Bake

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.

10. Garnish and Serve

Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Serve the chicken spinach and tomato pasta bake warm with a side salad or garlic bread for the perfect meal.

Tips for Success:

• Chicken Options: If you’re pressed for time, you can use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken. Just shred the rotisserie chicken and add it to the sauce at the same point.
• Pasta Shape: Feel free to experiment with different shapes of pasta. Penne, rotini, rigatoni, or fusilli work best because they hold the sauce well.
• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add more vegetables, like zucchini, mushrooms, or eggplant. You could also use tofu or tempeh for protein.
• Extra Creaminess: Add a bit of cream cheese or ricotta to the sauce mixture for extra richness and creaminess.
• Make it Gluten-Free: If you’re following a gluten-free diet, simply use gluten-free pasta. Ensure that the marinara sauce and chicken broth are also gluten-free.
• Leftovers: This pasta bake makes great leftovers and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven. It also freezes well! You can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes! If you’re using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the sauce.

Can I add more vegetables to the pasta bake?
Absolutely! You can add any of your favorite vegetables to this dish. Consider adding mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli for more variety and nutrients.

Can I make this pasta bake ahead of time?
Yes, this dish can be made ahead. You can prepare the entire bake in advance, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can assemble it, freeze it, and bake it directly from the freezer—just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Can I make this without cheese?
If you’re dairy-free or just prefer a lighter version, you can skip the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese substitute. The dish will still be flavorful, but the cheese does contribute to the creamy, comforting texture.

What can I serve with Chicken Spinach and Tomato Pasta Bake?
This dish is already quite filling, but it pairs wonderfully with a light side salad or some crispy garlic bread. You can also serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple green vegetable, like steamed broccoli or sautéed green beans.

Variations and Customizations

One of the best parts about this Chicken Spinach and Tomato Pasta Bake is how easy it is to customize based on your preferences or what you have in your pantry. Here are a few variations to consider:

1. Mediterranean Twist:

Add a Mediterranean flair by incorporating ingredients like kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, and a sprinkle of oregano. These ingredients bring a salty, tangy kick to the dish, and the creamy feta complements the tomato sauce beautifully.

2. Spicy Chicken Spinach Bake:

For those who like a bit of heat, add jalapeños, serrano peppers, or cayenne pepper to the sauce. You could also sprinkle a bit of hot sauce on top before baking for an added kick.

3. Italian Sausage and Spinach Pasta Bake:

Swap out the chicken for Italian sausage. Brown the sausage before adding it to the sauce, and the combination of sausage with the tomatoes and spinach will give the dish an incredible depth of flavor.

4. Low-Carb Version:

For a lower-carb option, swap the pasta for zucchini noodles (zoodles) or spaghetti squash. These substitutes work perfectly in the sauce and will reduce the carb count significantly while still giving you a satisfying meal.

5. Make it Creamy:

For a richer, creamier texture, stir in a cup of heavy cream or half-and-half into the sauce mixture. The cream adds an indulgent, velvety finish to the bake.

6. Add Pesto:

Add a spoonful or two of pesto to the sauce for a burst of herby, garlicky flavor. You can also drizzle pesto over the top of the pasta bake before serving.

The Easy Chicken Spinach and Tomato Pasta Bake is the perfect recipe for a busy weeknight dinner or a meal prep dish that will last you throughout the week. It’s quick, flavorful, and packed with protein and vegetables—making it both satisfying and nutritious. The beauty of this dish is in its versatility; you can adjust the flavors, add more vegetables, or experiment with different cheeses to suit your personal taste. Plus, it’s a great way to get your family or guests to eat their greens without even realizing it!

So, gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and enjoy this comforting, cheesy, and healthy pasta bake that’s bound to become a new family favorite.