Three-Cheese Chicken Penne Pasta Bake

Health score
54%
Three-Cheese Chicken Penne Pasta Bake
43 min.
4
473kcal

Suggestions


Indulge in the comforting flavors of our Three-Cheese Chicken Penne Pasta Bake, a delightful dish that brings together the richness of three cheeses with tender chicken and vibrant spinach. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy lunch, this recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a wholesome choice for any meal. With a health score of 54, you can enjoy this creamy, cheesy goodness without the guilt!

In just 43 minutes, you can create a mouthwatering masterpiece that serves four, ensuring everyone leaves the table satisfied. The combination of Neufchatel, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses creates a luscious, melty topping that perfectly complements the savory chicken and hearty penne pasta. The addition of fresh spinach not only enhances the dish's flavor but also adds a pop of color and a boost of vitamins.

This pasta bake is versatile enough to serve as a main course or a side dish, making it an excellent option for gatherings or weeknight meals. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a comforting bowl of cheesy goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients

  • 1.5 cups penne pasta uncooked
  • oz pkt spinach fresh
  • lb chicken breast boneless skinless cut into bite-size pieces
  • tsp basil dried
  • clove garlic 
  • 14 oz pasta sauce 
  • 14 oz tomatoes diced drained canned
  • oz neufchatel cheese cubed ()
  • cup mozzarella cheese shredded 2% divided
  • Tbsp parmesan cheese grated

Equipment

  • frying pan
  • oven
  • baking pan

Directions

  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 3 min
  4. Stir in garlic,spaghetti sauce and tomatoes; bring to boil. Simmer on low heat 3 min. or until chicken is done. Stir in Neufchatel.
  5. DRAIN pasta mixture; return to pan
  6. Stir in chicken mixture and 1/2 cup mozzarella. Spoon into 2-qt. casserole or 8-inch square baking dish.
  7. BAKE 20 min.; top with remaining cheeses.
  8. Bake another 3 min. or until mozzarella is melted.

Nutrition Facts

Calories473kcal
Protein35.03%
Fat27.29%
Carbs37.68%

Properties

Glycemic Index
50.75
Glycemic Load
15.03
Inflammation Score
-10
Nutrition Score
41.04956547592%

Flavonoids

Apigenin
0.01mg
Luteolin
0.49mg
Kaempferol
4.08mg
Myricetin
0.27mg
Quercetin
3.04mg

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:473.46kcal
23.67%
Fat:14.45g
22.24%
Saturated Fat:6.75g
42.19%
Carbohydrates:44.9g
14.97%
Net Carbohydrates:39.52g
14.37%
Sugar:8.04g
8.94%
Cholesterol:107.36mg
35.79%
Sodium:1063.72mg
46.25%
Alcohol:0g
100%
Alcohol %:0%
100%
Protein:41.74g
83.47%
Vitamin K:320.95µg
305.67%
Vitamin A:6893.79IU
137.88%
Selenium:70.46µg
100.66%
Vitamin B3:14.78mg
73.9%
Vitamin B6:1.27mg
63.66%
Manganese:1.22mg
60.88%
Phosphorus:531.41mg
53.14%
Vitamin C:35.69mg
43.27%
Potassium:1410.45mg
40.3%
Folate:157.95µg
39.49%
Magnesium:138.6mg
34.65%
Calcium:311.61mg
31.16%
Vitamin B2:0.49mg
29.01%
Iron:5.09mg
28.29%
Vitamin E:3.82mg
25.47%
Vitamin B5:2.4mg
23.99%
Copper:0.44mg
21.78%
Fiber:5.38g
21.53%
Zinc:3.02mg
20.16%
Vitamin B1:0.24mg
16.18%
Vitamin B12:0.94µg
15.69%
Vitamin D:0.24µg
1.59%
Source:Tidy Mom