
If you’re searching for a comforting and satisfying dish, look no further than this Chicken and Spinach Pasta Shell Bake recipe. It’s a delightful combination of tender pasta shells, creamy sauce, and the goodness of chicken and spinach, all baked to perfection.
This chicken recipe is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. In just over an hour, you can have a hearty meal that will impress everyone at the table.
The Perfect Chicken and Spinach Pasta Dish
This Chicken and Spinach Pasta Shell Bake is filled with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich, creamy sauce. Topped with melted cheese, it creates a comforting and flavorful meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Stuff each pasta shell with the chicken and spinach mixture and place them in the baking dish.
- Top the stuffed shells with the remaining marinara sauce, then sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish with fresh basil, if desired, and serve hot.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 420kcal
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 38g