Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake
A cheesy baked chicken broccoli pasta casserole that makes for the perfect cozy and healthy dinner! This amazing pasta bake is made with tomato sauce, chicken breast, fresh broccoli, and shredded mozzarella.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spiral pasta , rotini, regular or brown rice
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets, cut into small florets
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 large or 2 small chicken breasts, 8 ounces, skinless and boneless, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 3 cups of fresh spinach
- 3.5 cups marinara sauce, I recommend Rao's
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray 9×13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add pasta. Cook according to package until pasta is al dente (no more than 6 minutes total). In the last 2 minutes, stir in broccoli florets. Strain pasta and broccoli, run under cold water to stop cooking, and set to the side.
- In a mixing bowl, toss chicken pieces with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper.
- Heat a large saute pan with olive oil to medium-high. Add seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 4 - 5 minutes total, until no longer pink on the outside.
- Add fresh spinach, mix, and cook for 1 - 2 minutes until wilted.
- Remove from heat and add pasta sauce, chicken broth, and stir.
- Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, parmesan cheese, and ½ cup mozzarella cheese. Gently stir to combine, then pour into prepared baking dish.
- Top with the leftover mozzarella cheese and extra parmesan.
- Bake for 10 - 14 minutes. Then broil for 2 - 4 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned.
Nutrition
Calories: 347kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 56mg | Sodium: 599mg | Potassium: 845mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 2293IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 193mg | Iron: 3mg
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