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Homemade Healthy Three-Cheese Chicken Penne Pasta Bake photo

Healthy Three-Cheese Chicken Penne Pasta Bake

A comforting baked penne with tender chicken, spinach, and three cheeses in a tomato sauce.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups multi-grain penne pasta, uncooked
  • 9 ounces fresh spinach leaves
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1 tsp dried basil leaves
  • 1 14.5 oz jar spaghetti sauce
  • 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 14.5 oz diced tomatoes, drained
  • 2 oz Neufchâtel cheese, cubed can substitute cream cheese
  • 1 cup shredded 2% milk mozzarella cheese, divided divide into 1/2 cup and 1/2 cup
  • 2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • large nonstick skillet
  • 2-qt casserole or 8-inch square baking dish
  • Colander
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Mixing Spoon

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the penne according to package directions, omitting salt; add the spinach to the boiling water during the last minute of cooking.
  3. While the pasta cooks, heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high and lightly spray with cooking spray.
  4. Add the chicken and dried basil to the skillet and cook, stirring, about 3 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
  5. Stir in the jarred spaghetti sauce, minced garlic, and drained diced tomatoes; bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 3 minutes.
  6. Stir the cubed Neufchâtel cheese into the chicken mixture until incorporated and warmed through.
  7. Drain the pasta and spinach in a colander and return them to the pot. Stir in the chicken and sauce mixture and 1/2 cup of the shredded mozzarella.
  8. Spoon the combined mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish or 8-inch square baking dish.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven 20 minutes, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and the Parmesan over the top.
  10. Return to the oven and bake an additional 3 minutes, or until the mozzarella has melted; serve warm.

Notes

  • Source: adapted from Kraft.