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Creamy High Protein Chicken Spinach Artichoke Pasta Bake

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A quick and easy creamy chicken pasta bake with spinach and artichokes, packed with protein and perfect for weeknight dinners. This comforting dish combines tender chicken, vibrant spinach, tangy artichokes, and a luscious cheese sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces penne pasta (regular, whole wheat, or chickpea pasta)
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and drained
  • 1 (14-ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat preferred)
  • 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or oregano (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 9-11 minutes). Drain and set aside.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add thawed and drained spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until excess moisture evaporates.
  5. In a mixing bowl, whisk together cream cheese, Greek yogurt, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, and dried Italian herbs (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. In a large bowl or skillet, combine cooked pasta, chicken, spinach-garlic mixture, and chopped artichoke hearts. Pour the creamy sauce over and stir until evenly coated.
  7. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
  9. Let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta to keep it al dente as it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain spinach thoroughly to avoid watery sauce. Use fresh garlic for best flavor. Season in layers for balanced taste. Let the bake rest after cooking to firm up the sauce. If sauce is too thick before baking, add more chicken broth; if too thin, add more cream cheese or Parmesan.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken pasta bake, creamy pasta, spinach artichoke pasta, high protein dinner, easy weeknight meal, baked pasta, comfort food

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