Hearty Chicken Spinach Pasta Bake: Your New Go-To Family Dinner Recipe
Discover the ultimate comfort food that’s both wholesome and incredibly easy to make: a fiber-rich penne pasta bake, generously tossed with tender chicken and a flavorful pasta sauce, then baked to golden perfection with a medley of organic cheeses and fresh spinach. This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s a strategic solution for happier, less stressful weeknights, proving that delicious, home-cooked food can also be simple, nutritious, and a true family favorite.
Let’s talk about meal planning. How often do you successfully map out your dinners for the week? For many, it’s a constant journey towards improvement. Personally, improving my meal planning was a key resolution in the past, and while it’s still a work in progress, I can confidently say my success rate has climbed significantly. The weeks I commit to planning are invariably less stressful, leading to fewer last-minute takeout orders and noticeable savings on groceries. The frantic “what’s for dinner?” question that often looms around 5 PM is simply removed from the equation, effectively cutting dinnertime stress in half. This easy chicken spinach pasta bake is a prime example of a recipe that fits perfectly into any meal plan.
Why Meal Planning is Your Weeknight Savior
Meal planning isn’t just about deciding what to eat; it’s about reclaiming your evenings and taking control of your family’s nutrition. A well-thought-out plan translates into less food waste, a healthier diet, and a calmer household. Embracing meal planning can transform your kitchen routine, making cooking more enjoyable and less of a chore. It allows for intentional choices about what you consume, helps manage dietary needs, and fosters a sense of organization. Consider it your secret weapon against culinary chaos and a pathway to more wholesome, homemade meals like this delightful baked pasta dish.
Essential Tips for Effective Weekly Meal Planning:
- Family Input is Key: On Sundays, I always gather the family for a quick poll. Do they have a specific craving? A certain healthy pasta bake or a comforting chicken dish they’ve been thinking about? Add it to the list! Involving everyone makes them more invested in the meals and significantly reduces complaints and food waste.
- Try New Recipes Smartly: If I want to experiment with a new dish, especially a more involved chicken recipe or a new type of baked pasta, I schedule it for a night with fewer commitments. This allows me the time and freedom to enjoy the cooking process without feeling rushed, ensuring a better outcome and less stress.
- Balance Your Proteins and Carbs: Aim for variety in your diet. I try to space out beef and chicken dishes, include a beloved pasta dish like this chicken spinach pasta bake once or twice a week (because who doesn’t love pasta?), and add a comforting soup or stew on another evening. This balance keeps meals interesting and nutritious.
- Embrace Make-Ahead & Slow Cooker Meals: For those busy weeknights when everyone walks in starving, crockpot recipes or dishes you can prepare in advance are lifesavers. They ensure a hot, homemade meal is ready with minimal fuss right when you need it, perfect for busy families looking for easy dinner solutions.
- Strategize with Leftovers: This is where true efficiency shines! When cooking chicken for one meal, prepare extra to easily transform into another dish later in the week. The same goes for beef – excess taco meat from “Taco Tuesday” can become delicious game-day nachos or a hearty chili by the weekend. This Chicken Spinach Pasta Bake is a perfect example; it’s fantastic with freshly cooked chicken, but even better when repurposed with leftover rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken breasts, making it a truly versatile and healthy pasta bake option.
The Secret to a Perfect Cheesy Pasta Bake: Blended Cheeses & Hidden Veggies
My youngest daughter often joins me in the kitchen, and she’s become quite adept at uncovering my little culinary secrets. While we were preparing this very chicken spinach pasta bake, she shrewdly observed, “You know, this is a lot like lasagna, isn’t it?” To which I instinctively replied, “Yes, but let’s keep that just between us!” You see, even though my family isn’t particularly picky and we all adore pasta, only a few of us truly embrace lasagna. So, the trick became how to enjoy those comforting, cheesy flavors in a new, more universally appealing format that even the pickiest eaters would love.
The inspiration for blending the cottage cheese and mozzarella came from a recipe I once encountered, and I realized it was the key to achieving that creamy, smooth texture my family loves without the overt “cottage cheese” look or feel that can sometimes deter less adventurous eaters. The beauty of this method is how it transforms the cheese layer into a rich, velvety component that melts beautifully and binds the dish together, making every bite of this baked penne pasta incredibly satisfying. And of course, I love spinach in my lasagna, so adding it here was a natural choice – not just for flavor and texture, but as a brilliant way to sneak in an extra serving of vegetables! The vibrant green of the spinach adds a lovely contrast and a boost of nutrients to every bite, making this chicken and spinach pasta bake a truly wholesome and delightful option for any family dinner.
The Power of Quality Cheese: Elevating Your Pasta Bake
For me, cheese is the soul of any good pasta dish. It’s what can truly make or break it, providing that essential gooey texture and rich flavor that defines comfort food. When creating this Chicken Spinach Pasta Bake, I opted for Horizon Organic’s low-fat cottage cheese and their Mozzarella shreds. Their commitment to quality and organic farming practices aligns perfectly with my desire to feed my family wholesome, delicious ingredients. Choosing organic dairy not only enhances the flavor profile of your baked pasta dish but also offers peace of mind regarding what you’re serving.
Horizon Organics: More than two decades ago, Horizon’s founders were pioneers in the organic dairy movement, establishing the first company to offer organic milk nationwide. Starting with a handful of organic family farms, these family farms remain the core of Horizon’s mission, ensuring high-quality, sustainably sourced dairy products for families everywhere. Choosing Horizon Organics means supporting a tradition of excellence and a dedication to healthy, organic living, making your meals not just tasty, but also responsibly made. Their products are a staple in my kitchen, especially when I want to ensure my family gets the best in their cheesy, comforting meals.
Assembling Your Delectable Chicken Spinach Pasta Bake
Crafting this baked pasta dish is incredibly straightforward, making it perfect for a busy weeknight. You have the flexibility to either cook fresh chicken breasts, quickly shredding them, or streamline the process even further by utilizing leftover cooked chicken (such as rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken breasts) from a previous meal. This adaptability is another reason why this recipe for easy chicken pasta bake is a true meal-planning champion!
Once your chicken is prepared and shredded, simply toss it with your favorite jarred pasta sauce. For this recipe, I recommend using a 24-ounce jar to ensure ample sauce coverage and maximum flavor. Meanwhile, prepare your chosen pasta – I highly recommend a high-fiber penne for added nutritional value and a satisfying texture. Cook the penne al dente according to package instructions. Combine the sauced chicken and cooked pasta, then spread this flavorful mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. This forms the delicious and hearty foundation of your baked penne pasta.
Now, for the magical cheese layers! In a food processor, pulse the cottage cheese until it reaches a wonderfully smooth, almost whipped consistency. This crucial step helps integrate the cottage cheese seamlessly, making it practically undetectable to even the pickiest eaters while providing a rich, creamy texture. Mix in one 6-ounce package of shredded mozzarella and a generous helping of fresh grated Parmesan cheese. Once thoroughly combined, divide this creamy cheese mixture in half. To one half, add your defrosted and thoroughly squeezed frozen spinach. It’s vital to remove all excess liquid from the spinach to prevent the baked pasta from becoming watery.
Carefully spread the spinach-infused cheese mixture over the top of the pasta and chicken layer. This creates a vibrant, flavorful, and incredibly nutritious middle layer that truly elevates this healthy pasta bake. The green flecks of spinach add not just color, but also an extra dose of vitamins and minerals, perfectly complementing the rich chicken and pasta base.
Next, carefully spread the remaining half of the plain cheese mixture (without spinach) evenly over the spinach layer. This smooth, creamy layer provides a wonderful textural contrast and adds another dimension of cheesy goodness. Finally, to complete this masterpiece of a chicken and spinach pasta bake, generously sprinkle the second 6-ounce package of shredded mozzarella cheese over the very top. This abundant final layer of mozzarella will melt into a beautifully golden, bubbling crust, guaranteeing that irresistible cheesy pull everyone loves and making this dish truly spectacular.
Baking Your Pasta Perfection
Once assembled, your Chicken Spinach Pasta Bake is ready for the oven! Bake it in your preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 C) for approximately 30 minutes. We personally love ours with a beautifully golden, slightly browned and bubbly top, which adds an extra layer of caramelized flavor and a delightful crunchy texture to the melted cheese. If you prefer a lighter, less browned cheese topping, simply reduce the baking time by about 5-8 minutes, or cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil for the first 20 minutes of baking. Always keep an eye on it during the final minutes to achieve your desired level of golden perfection. The result is a bubbling, cheesy, and utterly satisfying comfort food meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as delicious leftovers throughout the week. This baked penne chicken dish is sure to become a cherished part of your family dinner rotation.
Serving Suggestions, Variations & Storage Tips for Your Easy Pasta Bake
This versatile Chicken Spinach Pasta Bake is a complete meal on its own, offering a perfect balance of protein, carbs, and vegetables. However, it pairs beautifully with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to add freshness, and a slice of crusty garlic bread to soak up all that delicious pasta sauce and cheesy goodness. For variations, consider adding diced bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), sliced mushrooms, or tender zucchini to the pasta mixture along with the chicken for extra flavor and vegetables. You can also experiment with different pasta shapes like rotini, ziti, or cavatappi to change the texture. If you’re looking for a delightful meatless option, simply omit the chicken and perhaps add some sautéed mushrooms, eggplant, or cannellini beans for extra body and flavor, transforming it into a hearty vegetarian pasta bake. Leftovers store wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and can be easily reheated in the microwave for a quick lunch or in the oven for a crispy top, making it ideal for meal prep.
LIKE THIS RECIPE?
Don’t forget to give it a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating and
leave a comment below the recipe!
Print Recipe
Chicken & Spinach Pasta Bake
Ingredients
- 3 medium chicken breasts (about 12 ounces, cooked and shredded; or use leftover cooked chicken)
- 1/4 cup shallots (finely chopped)
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 24-ounce jar of your favorite pasta sauce (e.g., marinara or tomato basil)
- 1 16-ounce box penne pasta (preferably high-fiber or whole wheat, cooked al dente)
- 1 16 oz container Horizon Organic Low Fat Cottage Cheese
- 2 6oz packages Horizon Organic Mozzarella Shreds (12 oz total, divided for layers)
- 1/3 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 10oz package frozen spinach (defrosted and thoroughly squeezed dry)
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or a little olive oil, preparing it for your cheesy baked pasta.
-
Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until it is al dente (slightly firm to the bite). This ensures the pasta retains some structure during baking. Drain well and set aside.
-
If using fresh chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and chopped shallots. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes per side until lightly browned. Pour in the chicken broth, cover the skillet, and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for approximately 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and can be easily shredded with two forks. Remove chicken, shred, and return to the skillet. Stir in the entire 24-ounce jar of pasta sauce, ensuring the shredded chicken is well coated. If using pre-cooked or leftover chicken: Simply shred or dice it and toss with the pasta sauce in the skillet over low heat to warm through, saving you valuable prep time for this easy pasta bake.
-
Add the cooked and drained penne pasta to the chicken and sauce mixture in the skillet. Stir gently until all the pasta is thoroughly coated with the savory sauce and chicken. Transfer this entire mixture to your prepared 9×13 baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom to create a solid base for your chicken spinach pasta bake.
-
In a food processor, pulse the cottage cheese until it achieves a smooth, wonderfully creamy texture (this step is key for hiding it from picky eaters!). Add one 6oz package of Horizon Organic Mozzarella Shreds and the grated Parmesan cheese to the food processor. Pulse again until well combined into a cohesive, cheesy blend. Remove half of this cheese mixture and set it aside in a separate bowl.
-
To the remaining cheese mixture in the food processor, add the thoroughly defrosted and squeezed-dry frozen spinach. Pulse until the spinach is finely incorporated and beautifully blended into the cheese mixture, creating a vibrant green layer for your healthy pasta bake.
-
Carefully spread the spinach-infused cheese mixture over the top of the pasta and chicken layer in the baking dish. Then, spread the reserved plain cheese mixture (without spinach) evenly over the spinach layer. Finally, generously sprinkle the remaining 6oz package of Horizon Organic Mozzarella Shreds over the very top to create a decadent, bubbly crust.
-
Bake in the preheated oven at 375 degrees F (190 C) for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top. For a deeper golden crust, you can optionally broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. Let your hearty chicken spinach pasta bake rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set and make for easier scooping.
Notes
We love our chicken spinach pasta bake with a beautifully browned, bubbly cheese topping! If you prefer a lighter, less crispy cheese crust, reduce the baking time by 5-8 minutes, or cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil for the first 20 minutes of baking before uncovering for the last 10 minutes. Enjoy this incredible family dinner recipe!
Nutrition
—
For more inspiring and delicious recipes that help you feed your family well with wholesome, organic ingredients, be sure to explore Horizon’s webpage. Their commitment to quality can truly elevate your home cooking and bring more organic options to your table. Don’t forget to follow them on their social media channels to stay updated with their latest offerings, engaging content, and fantastic recipe ideas: find them on Pinterest for visual inspiration and meal planning ideas, Facebook for community updates and new product announcements, Twitter for quick tips and engagements, and Instagram for beautiful food photography and daily doses of deliciousness. I certainly do, and I encourage you to join their vibrant community for more ideas on creating amazing family dinners!
This article is a sponsored conversation, crafted by me on behalf of Horizon Organics. All opinions expressed and text created are entirely my own. My goal is always to share recipes and brands that genuinely contribute to making family meals enjoyable, nourishing, and accessible for everyone.