Healthy Three Cheese Chicken Penne Pasta Bake

There’s something truly comforting about a warm, cheesy dish at the end of a long day. That’s why I love making Healthy Three Cheese Chicken Penne Pasta Bake for my family. It’s not only a delightful combination of flavors but also a recipe packed with wholesome ingredients that everyone can enjoy. This dish has become a staple in my kitchen, especially on busy weeknights when I’m looking for something quick yet satisfying. I remember the first time I made it; the aroma of baked cheese filled the air, and my kids couldn’t wait to dig in. The best part? It’s so easy to prepare that you won’t mind making it time and again!

Ingredients Overview for Healthy Three Cheese Chicken Penne Pasta Bake

The ingredients for the Healthy Three Cheese Chicken Penne Pasta Bake are carefully chosen to create a deliciously balanced meal. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering flavor and nutrition. The combination of multi-grain penne pasta, fresh spinach, and tender chicken ensures that this dish is both filling and wholesome.

• 1-1/2 cups multi-grain penne pasta, uncooked – This pasta serves as the hearty base, offering a nutty flavor and a satisfying texture.
• 9 ounces fresh spinach leaves – Packed with vitamins and minerals, spinach adds a fresh touch and boosts the nutritional value of the dish.
• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces – Lean protein that makes the dish hearty and filling.
• 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves – This herb enhances the flavor profile with its aromatic properties.
• 14-1/2 oz. jar spaghetti sauce – A convenient way to add moisture and flavor to the dish.
• 1-2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic brings a punch of flavor that complements the cheeses and chicken beautifully.
• 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes, drained – These provide a juicy texture and a slightly acidic balance to the dish.
• 2 oz Neufchatel cheese, cubed – A lighter alternative to cream cheese that maintains creaminess without excess fat.
• 1 cup shredded 2% milk mozzarella cheese, divided – This cheese melts beautifully, creating that gooey texture we all love.
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a sharp flavor that enhances the overall taste of the bake.

Recipe Steps for Healthy Three Cheese Chicken Penne Pasta Bake

Making the Healthy Three Cheese Chicken Penne Pasta Bake is a simple and rewarding process. Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll have a scrumptious dish ready in no time!

1. Preheat your oven to 375ºF. This step is crucial to ensure the pasta bake cooks evenly and the cheese melts perfectly.
2. Cook the multi-grain penne pasta according to the package instructions, omitting salt. Add the fresh spinach leaves to the boiling water during the last minute of cooking to wilt them. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large nonstick skillet, spray a light coating of cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and dried basil to the pan. Cook and stir for about three minutes until the chicken is no longer pink.
4. Next, stir in the spaghetti sauce, minced garlic, and drained diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for three minutes. During this time, the flavors will meld, and the chicken will finish cooking.
5. Once the chicken is cooked through, stir in the Neufchatel cheese until it’s melted and well combined with the sauce.
6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta and spinach with the chicken mixture. Stir in half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, ensuring everything is well coated.
7. Spoon the mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish or an 8-inch square baking dish. Spread it out evenly to ensure even cooking.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to develop and the dish to become beautifully bubbly.
9. After 20 minutes, remove the dish from the oven and top it with the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Return to the oven and bake for an additional three minutes or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
10. Once it’s done, let the bake cool slightly before serving. This will help the layers set and make serving easier.

Pro Tips and Tweaks

When making the Healthy Three Cheese Chicken Penne Pasta Bake, a few tricks can help elevate your dish. Here are my top tips:

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
• Freezing: Freezing is an option! Allow the dish to cool completely, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to three months.
• Pairing: Serve the bake with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Spice It Up: If you like a bit of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture for a spicy kick.
• Using Different Proteins: You can replace the chicken with ground turkey or even cooked lentils for a vegetarian version.
• Garnish: Top with fresh herbs like basil or parsley before serving for an extra flavor boost and visual appeal.

What to Serve Alongside Healthy Three Cheese Chicken Penne Pasta Bake

When it comes to serving the Healthy Three Cheese Chicken Penne Pasta Bake, there are plenty of delicious options to accompany it. Here are some great ideas:

• Fresh Garden Salad: A crisp salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the creamy pasta bake.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with slices of garlic bread for a classic combination that enhances the overall dining experience.
• Roasted Vegetables: Oven-roasted seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus complement the flavors of the bake.
• Light Soup: A light soup such as minestrone or tomato basil can be a warming starter before the main dish.
• Seasonal Fruit: As a refreshing dessert, consider serving a platter of seasonal fruits, which can cleanse the palate beautifully.
• Wine Pairing: If you enjoy wine, a light white wine can be a delightful addition to this dish, enhancing the wonderful flavors.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Healthy Three Cheese Chicken Penne Pasta Bake truly embodies the essence of what comfort food should be. With its cheesy goodness and hearty ingredients, it’s a meal that brings everyone together around the table. I encourage you to try it out for your next family dinner or gathering; I promise it will become a favorite!

Healthy Three Cheese Chicken Penne Pasta Bake

The ultimate comfort food, Healthy Three Cheese Chicken Penne Pasta Bake is creamy, cheesy, and easy to prepare. This delicious dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner, packed with wholesome ingredients that will satisfy everyone at the table. Make it tonight for a cozy meal!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1-1/2 cups multi-grain penne pasta uncooked
• 9 ounces fresh spinach leaves
• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
• 14-1/2 oz. jar spaghetti sauce
• 1-2 cloves garlic minced
• 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes drained
• 2 oz Neufchatel cheese cubed (you can substitute cream cheese)
• 1 cup shredded 2% milk mozzarella cheese divided
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Equipment

• Cutting Board
• Baking Sheet
• Large Pot
• Skillet
• Grater
• Oven
• Saucepan
• Mixing Bowl
• Frying pan
• Wooden Spoon

Method

 

1. Heat oven to 375ºF.
2. Cook pasta as directed on package, omitting salt and adding spinach to the boiling water the last minute.
3. Cook and stir chicken and basil in large nonstick skillet sprayed with cooking spray on medium-high heat for 3 minutes. Stir in spaghetti sauce, garlic, and tomatoes; bring to boil. Simmer on low heat for 3 minutes or until chicken is done. Stir in Neufchatel cheese.
4. Drain pasta mixture; return to pan. Stir in chicken mixture and 1/2 cup mozzarella. Spoon into a 2-quart casserole or 8-inch square baking dish.
5. Bake for 20 minutes; top with remaining cheeses. Bake for 3 minutes or until mozzarella is melted.

Notes

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
• Freezing: Freezing is an option! Allow the dish to cool completely, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to three months.
• Pairing: Serve the bake with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Spice It Up: If you like a bit of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture for a spicy kick.
• Using Different Proteins: You can replace the chicken with ground turkey or even cooked lentils for a vegetarian version.
• Garnish: Top with fresh herbs like basil or parsley before serving for an extra flavor boost and visual appeal.

Previous PostEasy Chicken Stock

Next Post Fried Chicken Salad

Meet Paige Wilson

I’m our photographer and stylist, so it’s my job to make our food look as sunny and delicious as it tastes. I’m obsessed with finding that perfect light. When I’m not behind the lens, I’m in the kitchen as the official “chief taster.” I work closely with Hailey and Brooke to cook, test, and refine the flavors for every single recipe until it’s just right.