Simplified Chicken Spinach Penne Casserole Cooking Directions in 30 Minutes

The Chicken Spinach Penne Bake is a crowd-pleasing dish that is perfect for both date night and toddler tantrum nights. This easy-to-make meal can be prepared in just 30 minutes and is a fast weeknight lifesaver.

The recipe requires 8 oz of penne pasta, 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken, 2 cups of fresh spinach, 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp of garlic powder, 1 tsp of dried basil, salt, fresh cracked pepper, and a handful of sun-dried tomatoes (optional).

Start by cooking the penne pasta al dente in a large pot of salted water, draining it without rinsing. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F and prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish.

In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta, shredded chicken, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried basil, salt, pepper, and sun-dried tomatoes (if using). Stir well to mix the ingredients. To prevent clumping, add the spinach last.

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake for about 20 minutes, until bubbly and golden. For an extra crispy cheese crust, broil the dish for the last minute. If you prefer a gooeier texture, you can use mozzarella or fontina cheese instead of Parmesan.

The Chicken Spinach Penne Bake is packed with protein and greens, making it a healthy option. For a sweet-tart burst of flavor, throw in a handful of sun-dried tomatoes. If you like a kick, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. Sauteéd sliced cremini mushrooms can also be added for earthy perfection.

The dish tastes even better as leftovers and can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, bake at 350°F for about 15 minutes to keep the creamy texture perfect. The dish tastes even better the next day as leftovers.

Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds incredible flavor to the dish. A cheese grater, a large pot, a mixing bowl, a wooden spoon, and a 9x13 inch baking dish are necessary equipment for the recipe. The inventor of the recipe for Chicken Spinach Penne Bake is not identified in the available search results.

Enjoy this quick, easy, and delicious Chicken Spinach Penne Bake for your next weeknight dinner!