Spinach Artichoke Pasta Bake

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the creamy, satisfying delight of a pasta bake. This Spinach Artichoke Pasta Bake elevates traditional pasta with a healthier twist, combining nutrient-rich spinach and artichokes with a luscious cheese sauce. It’s a dish that not only satisfies cravings but also provides nourishment, making it a perfect choice for family dinners or meal prepping for the week. Let’s dive into the recipe that blends classic flavors with a modern, nutritious touch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy and Indulgent: This dish combines creamy cheeses with tender pasta and flavorful vegetables, delivering the indulgence of classic comfort food.
• Nutrient-Rich: Packed with protein from chicken and dairy and loaded with the fiber and vitamins of spinach and artichokes, this pasta bake is as nourishing as it is delicious.
• Easy to Prepare: With a prep time of just 15 minutes, you can have this wholesome dish ready to bake in no time. Perfect for busy weeknights!
• Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or simple family dinners, this pasta bake is a hit with kids and adults alike.

Here are the Main Ingredients You will Need to Make this Recipe:

Step-by-Step Instructions

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

In a food processor or blender, combine the fresh spinach leaves (you may need to add half to start, half after initial blend depending on size of food processor), low-fat cottage cheese, plain Greek yogurt, cream cheese grated Parmesan cheese (65g), minced garlic, onion powder, paprika, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.

Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides of the processor or blender as needed.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken breast, chopped artichoke hearts and sauce. Mix until well combined.

Add the cooked pasta to the mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.

Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Top with remaining parmesan cheese (20g)

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until edges are bubbly.

Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Recipe Notes/Modifications:

• If fresh spinach is unavailable, use frozen spinach. Thaw and drain it well to remove excess moisture before blending.
• Choose pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or rotini that hold the sauce well and provide a satisfying bite.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of milk or broth before reheating.
• I love these baking dishes from amazon as they come with a lid and make storage easy! 
• Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can be sprinkled on top before serving for a burst of freshness.

Other Easy Dinners you May Enjoy:

Sherpherd’s Pie

Shrimp Fried Rice

Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole

This Spinach Artichoke Pasta Bake is more than just a comforting meal; it’s a nutritious and satisfying dish that combines the best of both worlds—flavor and health. With its simple preparation and customizable nature, it’s bound to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, this pasta bake is sure to impress and delight.

If you give this recipe a try, or any others I share, I’d love to hear from you! Rate the recipe, leave a comment, or tag me on Instagram @thebalancedbitefoodie so I can see your delicious creations and thank you for trying them!