Description
Tender penne, juicy chicken, spinach, and marinara baked in a creamy cheese sauce under a golden mozzarella-Parmesan crust. Comfort food heaven!
Ingredients
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
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2 cups penne pasta
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1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 cup fresh spinach leaves
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1 tbsp olive oil
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Optional: Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add the diced chicken and season with salt and pepper.
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Sauté for 5–7 minutes, or until chicken is no longer pink.
3. Build the Sauce
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Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute.
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Stir in heavy cream and Italian seasoning, simmering until slightly thickened.
4. Combine and Assemble
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Add marinara sauce, cooked pasta, and spinach to the skillet.
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Mix well to coat everything evenly with the creamy sauce.
5. Bake It
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Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Top evenly with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
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Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
6. Cool and Garnish
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Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
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Garnish with fresh basil for a fragrant finish.
Notes
This dish is perfect for meal trains, potlucks, and busy families looking for a crowd-pleasing comfort meal. It’s also a great base for experimenting with different proteins, veggies, or sauces.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American