Best 14 Spinachchicken Macaroni Bake Recipes

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Spinach, chicken, and macaroni bake is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. It is a versatile recipe that can be tailored to your liking. You can add different spices or vegetables to create a unique flavor. The combination of the spinach, chicken, and macaroni makes this dish a well-balanced meal that is sure to please everyone at the table.

Here are our top 14 tried and tested recipes!

INCREDIBLE CARAMELIZED ONION SPINACH CHICKEN PASTA BAKE



Incredible Caramelized Onion Spinach Chicken Pasta Bake image

Incredible caramelized onion spinach chicken pasta bake made with two full bags of spinach for extra veggies and a creamy, lightened up parmesan cheese sauce. This protein-packed, healthy chicken pasta bake is the perfect weeknight dinner when you're craving something warm and comforting!

Provided by Monique Volz of AmbitiousKitchen.com

Categories     Dinner     Gluten Free     Nut Free

Time 1h15m

Number Of Ingredients 23

For the pasta:
10 ounces dry pasta shells (or use rotini, fusilli, or whatever pasta you'd like -- even gluten free!)
For the chicken:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, diced into ½ inch cubes
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Freshly ground salt and pepper
For the caramelized onions & spinach:
½ tablespoon olive oil (or butter)
1 very large (or 2 medium) yellow onions, sliced
Freshly ground salt and pepper
10-12 ounces fresh spinach
For the parmesan cheese sauce:
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup all purpose flour (or whole wheat flour or all purpose gluten free flour)
1 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or cashew milk or regular milk)
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
¾ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Freshly ground black pepper
For the topping:
1/2 cup breadcrumbs, gluten free if desired
1 tablespoon butter

Steps:

  • Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Spray a 2-quart baking dish or 9x9 inch or 11x7 inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray, or grease with olive oil or butter.
  • Boil the noodles until al dente, according to the directions on the package. Once done cooking, drain and set aside.
  • Cook your chicken: add ½ tablespoon olive oil to a large pot and place over medium high heat. Add in diced chicken, season with garlic powder and salt and pepper; cook for 5-7 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink. Transfer chicken to a large bowl once done cooking.
  • In the same pot you cooked chicken, you can caramelize your onions: add in ½ tablespoon olive oil or butter, onions and salt and pepper; stir to coat. Cook onions, stirring occasionally; check your onions every 5-10 minutes until they have completely caramelized and turned golden brown. If the onions appear to be getting too dark or sticking too much to the bottom of the pan, then simply reduce the heat a bit. You can also add in a few teaspoons of water to help deglaze the pan. Once the onions have caramelized, reduce heat to low and stir in spinach with the onions; cook until spinach wilts. Remove from heat and transfer to the bowl with the chicken.
  • In the same pot, add in 2 tablespoons of butter and place over medium heat. Once butter is melted, whisk in a little bit of the flour and then slowly add in milk, a little bit at a time, alternating with the flour and vigorously whisking away any lumps. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and stir every so often, until the sauce thickens up.
  • Once sauce has thickened up a bit, turn off the heat and stir in garlic powder, parmesan cheese. salt and LOTS of freshly ground black pepper.
  • Next stir in cooked noodles, spinach and caramelized onions and chicken. Season again with salt and pepper, to taste. Pour mixture into your prepared baking pan and spread out.
  • In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture on top of casserole and bake for 25 minutes or until breadcrumbs are golden brown. Serves 6.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 serving (based on 6), Calories 434 kcal, Fat 15.5 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, Carbohydrate 50.4 g, Fiber 3.9 g, Sugar 3.5 g, Protein 27.4 g

CHICKEN, SPINACH, AND CHEESE PASTA BAKE



Chicken, Spinach, and Cheese Pasta Bake image

Pasta, chicken, spinach, and cheese baked to bubbly perfection.

Provided by jr911

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 1h15m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 (8 ounce) package penne pasta
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
3 cups chopped cooked chicken
1 (14 ounce) can Italian-style diced tomatoes
1 (10 ounce) package spinach
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil; add penne and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain.
  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Saute onion in hot oil until tender, 5 to 7 minutes.
  • Mix penne pasta, onion, chicken, diced tomatoes, spinach, and cream cheese together in a baking dish until the cream cheese melts and coats everything. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the pasta mixture. Cover baking dish with aluminum foil.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking until heated through and beginning to brown along the edges, about 15 minutes more.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 544.2 calories, Carbohydrate 53.2 g, Cholesterol 85.3 mg, Fat 21.7 g, Fiber 6.4 g, Protein 34.2 g, SaturatedFat 10.2 g, Sodium 331.9 mg, Sugar 3.2 g

CHICKEN AND SPINACH MAC AND CHEESE



Chicken and Spinach Mac and Cheese image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 25m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
1 cup elbow macaroni
3 cups pulled rotisserie chicken, skin reserved
4 tablespoons butter
4 cups fresh baby spinach
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups milk
1 1/4 cups freshly grated extra-sharp Cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chicken stock
1 tablespoon lemon juice (from about 1/2 lemon)
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
4 dashes hot sauce

Steps:

  • Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
  • Meanwhile, place the chicken skin in a large nonstick saute pan over medium heat, being careful to keep the skin as flat as possible. Cook, flipping over halfway, for about 2 minutes, until the skin is crisp and the fat has rendered out. Remove the skin from the pan and place on a paper towel-lined plate.
  • Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in the same pan over medium-high heat. Add the spinach and wilt for 1 minute, stirring occasionally. Remove the spinach from the pan and set aside.
  • To the same pan, add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter and melt over medium-high heat. Add the flour and cook, whisking continuously, until the mixture is free of any lumps and light tan in color, about 1 minute. Lower the heat to medium, slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly, and cook until the mixture is slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Add the cheese, whisking to combine, and cook until it is melted and the sauce is smooth. Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the chicken stock, lemon juice, yellow mustard and hot sauce. Season the sauce with salt and pepper.
  • Add the drained pasta, wilted spinach and pulled chicken to the sauce. Stir to combine. Crumble the crispy chicken skin on top and serve immediately.

CHICKEN 'N' SPINACH PASTA BAKE



Chicken 'n' Spinach Pasta Bake image

Make and share this Chicken 'n' Spinach Pasta Bake recipe from Food.com.

Provided by KathyP53

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 1h15m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

8 ounces uncooked rigatoni pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup finely chopped onion (about 1 medium)
1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed (I used 10 oz. fresh baby spinach leaves, chopped)
3 cups cubed cooked chicken breasts (I used chopped rotisserie chicken from the grocery deli)
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can Italian-style diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (8 ounce) container chive & onion cream cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Steps:

  • Prepare rigatoni acoording to package directions.
  • Meanwhile, spread oil on bottom of an 11x7" baking dish; add onion in a single layer. Bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes or just until tender. Transfer onion to a large bowl and set aside.
  • Drain thawed spinach well, pressing between layers of paper towls.
  • Stir rigatoni, spinach, chicken and next 4 ingredients into onion in bowl. Spoon mixture into baking dish, and sprinkle evenly with shredded mozzarela cheese.
  • Bake, covered, at 375 degrees for 30 minutes; uncover and bake 15 more minutes or until bubbly.

SPINACH BEEF MACARONI BAKE



Spinach Beef Macaroni Bake image

This hearty casserole is great for a family reunion or church supper. I've also made half the recipe for family gatherings. It's become a special favorite of my grandson-in-law and great-grandson, who often ask me to serve it when they're visiting. -Lois Lauppe, Lahoma, Oklahoma

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h20m

Yield 2 casseroles (12 servings each).

Number Of Ingredients 12

5-1/4 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
2-1/2 pounds ground beef
2 large onions, chopped
3 large carrots, shredded
3 celery ribs, chopped
2 cans (28 ounces each) Italian diced tomatoes, undrained
4 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
2 packages (10 ounces each) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large Dutch oven, cook the beef, onions, carrots and celery over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Add the tomatoes, salt, garlic powder, pepper and oregano. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 30 minutes or until vegetables are tender. , Drain macaroni; add macaroni and spinach to beef mixture. Pour into two greased 3-qt. baking dishes. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 173 calories, Fat 6g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 26mg cholesterol, Sodium 632mg sodium, Carbohydrate 18g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 13g protein.

CHICKEN, SPINACH AND ARTICHOKE PASTA BAKE



Chicken, Spinach and Artichoke Pasta Bake image

Inspired by the cheesy, savory spinach-artichoke dip that everyone loves, this chicken casserole will quickly become a favorite, too.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 1h25m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 16

8 oz uncooked rotini pasta (about 2 1/3 cups)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 package (20 oz) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic (3 cloves)
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1 cup sour cream
1 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 can (14 oz) small artichoke hearts, drained and coarsely chopped
1 box (10 oz) Cascadian Farm™ frozen organic chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed to drain
1 cup roasted red bell peppers, drained and finely chopped (from 16-oz jar)
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese (8 oz)

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) baking dish with cooking spray. Cook and drain pasta as directed on package; set aside.
  • Meanwhile, in 10-inch nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper; cook chicken in oil 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is no longer pink. Remove from skillet; set aside. Reduce heat to medium; in same skillet, add onion and garlic. Cook 2 to 3 minutes or until tender.
  • In large bowl, beat mayonnaise, sour cream and milk with whisk. Stir in onion mixture, crushed red pepper flakes, Parmesan cheese, artichoke hearts, spinach, roasted red bell peppers and Monterey Jack cheese. Add pasta and chicken; stir until combined. Transfer mixture to baking dish.
  • Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until cheese is melted and casserole is heated through.
  • If making ahead to bake and serve at a later date: Line 13x9-inch (3-quart) baking dish with 2 layers of plastic wrap, leaving enough overhang to completely enclose assembled casserole. Spread mixture in large shallow pan; cool mixture completely, covered, 30 to 45 minutes in refrigerator. Spoon mixture into baking dish; cover with another layer of plastic wrap. Freeze unbaked casserole about 8 hours or until completely frozen. Transfer frozen casserole to labeled 2-gallon resealable freezer plastic bag. Remove air; seal and freeze up to three months. To bake: Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) baking dish with cooking spray. Remove plastic wrap from casserole; place in baking dish. Cover tightly with foil; thaw completely in refrigerator, 24 to 48 hours. Heat oven to 350°F. Uncover; bake 50 to 60 minutes or until casserole is heated through (165°F in center).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 640, Carbohydrate 35 g, Cholesterol 105 mg, Fat 5, Fiber 5 g, Protein 36 g, SaturatedFat 15 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 1090 mg, Sugar 5 g, TransFat 1/2 g

CHICKEN & SPINACH PASTA



Chicken & Spinach Pasta image

"One of my favorites! Can't remember where I got this recipe, but I make it often. You can also double the amounts and freeze the leftovers. I enjoy it because it's tasty enough-and thick enough-to eat even without the pasta!" Pamela Ziemer - Hutchinson, MN

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

1-1/2 cups uncooked medium pasta shells
1 medium onion, chopped
1 large portobello mushroom, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup fat-free milk
1/2 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
2-1/2 cups cubed cooked chicken breast
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
6 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, saute the onion, mushroom and garlic in oil until tender. Stir in flour until blended; gradually add milk and broth. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. , Add the chicken, spinach, 3 tablespoons cheese, lemon juice, pepper and pepper flakes; heat through. , Drain pasta; toss with chicken mixture. Sprinkle with remaining cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 396 calories, Fat 7g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 74mg cholesterol, Sodium 337mg sodium, Carbohydrate 44g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 5g fiber), Protein 40g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

CHICKEN AND SPINACH CASSEROLE



Chicken and Spinach Casserole image

Use the supermarket staple of rotisserie chicken in this comforting casserole. Combine shredded chicken with sauteed spinach in a cream sauce, pour into a baking dish, and top with torn bread. Serve your family this creamy, bubbling casserole for a cozy dinner.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Chicken

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 cups torn bread
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Coarse salt and ground pepper
4 cups packed flat-leaf spinach, washed
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 cup white wine
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups half-and-half
1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees. In a medium bowl, combine bread with 1 tablespoon oil; season with salt. Set aside. In a medium pot, heat 1 1/2 teaspoons oil over medium-high. Add spinach; season with salt. Cook, stirring, until wilted, 2 minutes. Transfer to a colander, let cool, then squeeze out water. Coarsely chop.
  • Wipe pot clean and heat 1 1/2 teaspoons oil over medium. Add onion, garlic; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is soft, about 8 minutes.
  • Add wine to pot and cook until almost evaporated, about 5 minutes. Add flour and cook, stirring, 30 seconds. Gradually whisk in half-and-half. Add lemon juice and bring mixture to a boil over high.
  • Remove from heat and stir in chopped spinach and chicken; season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a 2-quart baking dish and top with bread pieces. Bake until bread is golden brown and mixture is bubbling, 8 to 10 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 507 g, Fat 22 g, Fiber 3 g, Protein 20 g

ONE-POT SPINACH CHICKEN PASTA RECIPE BY TASTY



One-pot Spinach Chicken Pasta Recipe by Tasty image

Here's what you need: olive oil, salt, penne pasta, garlic, chicken breasts, pepper, crushed tomato, red chili flakes, heavy cream, spinach, parmesan cheese, parmesan cheese

Provided by Adam Bianchi

Categories     Dinner

Yield 3 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

4 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons salt, divided
1 lb penne pasta
3 cloves garlic, chopped
2 chicken breasts, cubed
1 tablespoon pepper
28 oz crushed tomato, 1 can
½ teaspoon red chili flakes
½ cup heavy cream
5 oz spinach
½ cup parmesan cheese
parmesan cheese, to taste

Steps:

  • Boil water in a large pot over high heat.
  • Add 2 tablespoons of salt to water and add pasta. Cook pasta until almost al dente, or for 1-2 minutes less than the recommended cook time. Drain.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot on medium heat. Add chicken, salt, and pepper. Brown chicken, making sure to cook through. Set chicken aside.
  • Add 2 tablespoon olive oil, garlic, and red chili flakes into the pot and stir.
  • Add crushed tomatoes, stirring for a few minutes.
  • Add cream, stirring until incorporated.
  • Add spinach and stir until the spinach cooks down and incorporates.
  • Add chicken, pasta, and parmesan, stirring until pasta is evenly coated.
  • Garnish with more parmesan cheese and serve!
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1183 calories, Carbohydrate 136 grams, Fat 46 grams, Fiber 11 grams, Protein 63 grams, Sugar 17 grams

SPINACH AND CHICKEN CASSEROLE



Spinach and Chicken Casserole image

My son, who is an extremely picky eater, loves this quick and simple dish. It's great for pot-luck dinners.

Provided by T.C.

Categories     Meat and Poultry Recipes     Chicken     Chicken Breast Recipes

Time 2h45m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 cups cubed boneless chicken breast
1 cup Italian salad dressing, or as needed
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon lemon pepper
1 (8 ounce) package fresh spinach
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
½ cup chopped fresh chives
¼ cup olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 pinch salt and ground black pepper to taste
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Steps:

  • Place chicken in a bowl and pour in enough Italian salad dressing to coat. Marinate in the refrigerator, 2 to 3 hours.
  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • Drain and discard marinade from chicken and season chicken with garlic powder and lemon pepper. Transfer seasoned chicken to a casserole dish. Layer spinach over chicken.
  • Mix cream cheese, chives, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper together in a bowl. Slowly pour chicken broth into cream cheese mixture, stirring until mixture is smooth; pour over chicken and spinach. Cover casserole dish with aluminum foil.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove foil and top chicken mixture with mozzarella cheese; cook until chicken is no longer pink in the center and cheese is melted, 15 to 20 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 601 calories, Carbohydrate 8.8 g, Cholesterol 138.4 mg, Fat 51.3 g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 27.5 g, SaturatedFat 21.8 g, Sodium 1417.8 mg, Sugar 4.3 g

CHICKEN SPINACH ALFREDO ROTINI PASTA RECIPE BY TASTY



Chicken Spinach Alfredo Rotini Pasta Recipe by Tasty image

Here's what you need: oil, chicken breasts, garlic, bacon, spinach, salt, pepper, heavy cream, rotini pasta, parmesan cheese, fresh parsley

Provided by Alvin Zhou

Categories     Dinner

Yield 3 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 tablespoons oil
2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
6 strips bacon, cooked, chopped
5 oz spinach
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons pepper
2 cups heavy cream
1 ¼ cups rotini pasta, cooked
1 cup parmesan cheese
½ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Steps:

  • Heat oil in a large pot over high heat.
  • Cook the chicken until no pink is showing.
  • Add the garlic, bacon, spinach, salt, and pepper, cooking until spinach is wilted.
  • Pour in the cream and bring to a boil.
  • Add the pasta, cheese, and parsley, stirring until the pasta is coated evenly.
  • Enjoy!

CHICKEN AND SPINACH PASTA CASSEROLE RECIPE



Chicken and Spinach Pasta Casserole Recipe image

A delicious and simple casserole filled with yummy chicken, pasta and spinach!

Provided by Camille Beckstrand

Categories     Main Course

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 13

10 oz rigatoni pasta (uncooked)
1 pkg package frozen chopped spinach (thawed and drained)
2 teaspoon olive oil
1 onion (diced)
4 teaspoon minced garlic
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cubed)
14.5 ounces diced tomatoes (undrained)
24 ounces marinara sauce
3 Tablespoon tomato paste
1¼ teaspoon dried basil
¾ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
½ cup grated parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Spray 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.
  • Cook pasta according to package directions and drain.
  • Place spinach on paper towel and squeeze until almost all moisture has been removed.
  • Add oil to a large nonstick skillet and place over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté until tender.
  • Add chicken and cook until no longer pink, stirring occasionally.
  • Stir in tomatoes, marinara sauce, tomato paste, basil, oregano and crushed red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat.
  • Simmer 5 minutes, uncovered stirring occasionally.
  • Combine pasta, spinach, chicken mixture and 1/4 cup cheese in a large mixing bowl.
  • Spoon into prepared baking dish and sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese over the top.
  • Bake for 20 minutes and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 358 kcal, Carbohydrate 51 g, Protein 26 g, Fat 7 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, TransFat 1 g, Cholesterol 43 mg, Sodium 897 mg, Fiber 6 g, Sugar 10 g, ServingSize 1 serving

TOMATO, SPINACH AND CHICKEN PASTA BAKE



Tomato, Spinach and Chicken Pasta Bake image

You won't have any trouble getting kids to eat spinach when it's in a cheesy pasta bake with chicken and fresh cherry tomatoes.

Provided by My Food and Family

Categories     Home

Time 45m

Yield 6 servings, 1-1/3 cups each

Number Of Ingredients 10

3 cups farfalle (bow-tie pasta), uncooked
2 cups tightly packed torn fresh spinach
1 Tbsp. oil
1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh basil
1 can (14-1/2 oz.) diced tomatoes, drained
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved, seeded
2-1/2 cups CLASSICO Tomato and Basil Pasta Sauce
1 cup KRAFT Shredded Mozzarella Cheese with a TOUCH OF PHILADELPHIA, divided
1/4 cup KRAFT Shredded Parmesan Cheese

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 375ºF.
  • Cook pasta in large saucepan as directed on package, omitting salt and adding spinach to the boiling water for last minute.
  • Meanwhile, heat oil in large skillet on medium-high heat. Add chicken and basil; cook and stir 3 to 4 min. or until chicken is evenly browned. Stir in tomatoes and pasta sauce; bring to boil. Simmer on medium heat 4 to 5 min. or until heated through, stirring occasionally.
  • Drain pasta mixture; return to pan. Stir in chicken mixture and 1/2 cup mozzarella; spoon into 13x9-inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray. Top with remaining mozzarella.
  • Bake 20 min. or until heated through. Sprinkle with Parmesan.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 440, Fat 12 g, SaturatedFat 4.5 g, TransFat 0 g, Cholesterol 60 mg, Sodium 720 mg, Carbohydrate 0 g, Fiber 5 g, Sugar 0 g, Protein 32 g

CREAMY MACARONI SPINACH BAKE



Creamy Macaroni Spinach Bake image

Make and share this Creamy Macaroni Spinach Bake recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Parsley

Categories     Cheese

Time 45m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

3 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons butter
8 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese, softened to room temp
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/3 cup low-fat milk
16 ounces reduced-fat sour cream
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
16 ounces frozen leaf spinach, thawed
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350. Lightly grease a 13 x 9 casserole dish; set aside.
  • Cook macaroni according to package; drain.
  • Place hot, drained macaroni in a large bowl and toss with butter and softened cream cheese.
  • Add all remaining ingredients to the bowl and gently mix together well.
  • Pour into the prepared casserole dish.
  • Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes.

Tips:

  • Use fresh spinach for the best flavor. If you're using frozen spinach, be sure to thaw it and squeeze out all the excess water before adding it to the recipe.
  • Don't overcook the chicken. Chicken breasts can become dry and tough if they're cooked for too long. Cook them until they're just cooked through, about 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Use a good quality cheese. The cheese is one of the main ingredients in this dish, so it's important to use a good quality cheese that melts well. Cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan are all good choices.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment. This recipe is a great starting point, but you can feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors. For example, you could add some diced tomatoes, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the dish. You could also use different types of cheese, such as feta or goat cheese.

Conclusion:

Spinach Chicken Macaroni Bake is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. It's also a great way to use up leftover chicken. The combination of spinach, chicken, macaroni, and cheese is sure to please everyone at the table.

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