Quick and Easy 30-Minute Penne Bake with Chicken and Spinach, Creamy Delight!
The Chicken Spinach Penne Bake is a crowd-pleasing dish that's perfect for both date nights and toddler tantrum nights. This quick and easy meal takes approximately 30 minutes from fridge to table, making it a favourite weeknight lifesaver for many.
The dish is made with penne pasta, tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a Parmesan cream sauce. To create an irresistible crispy golden crust, sprinkle an extra handful of Parmesan on top before baking. Swapping Parmesan with mozzarella or fontina can result in extra gooeyness.
The dish is baked in a 9x13 inch baking dish. To save time and add incredible flavour, using rotisserie chicken is recommended. Fresh spinach keeps that perfect texture and vibrant color, even when used ahead of time and reheated.
The Parmesan cream sauce is a key component of the dish's appeal. To make the dish gluten-free, swapping regular penne with gluten-free pasta is an option. Sauteing sliced cremini mushrooms with garlic before adding creates earthy perfection, while throwing in sun-dried tomatoes provides sweet-tart bursts of flavor.
The dish 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, and fresh cracked pepper.
The dish can be assembled and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. Letting the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking allows the creamy sauce to settle into perfection. Reheating the dish at 350°F for about 15 minutes keeps the creamy texture perfect. Splashing in a tablespoon of milk before reheating can bring back that luscious creaminess.
Storing any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days is recommended. The dish tastes even better the next day. Adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can provide a kick. Leftover grilled chicken works beautifully in the dish.
In Germany, the origin of a dish like Chicken Spinach Penne Bake is not specifically documented or traditionally associated with German cuisine. However, German pasta dishes often involve regional specialties like Spätzle, an egg-based noodle common in southern Germany. Chicken Spinach Penne Bake, as such, is a more modern, international fusion dish rather than a traditional German recipe.
A large pot, mixing bowl, wooden spoon, cheese grater, and a 9x13 inch baking dish are necessary equipment for making the dish. The dish is packed with protein and greens, making it a nutritious and delicious option for any meal.
So, next time you're in need of a quick and tasty meal, give the Chicken Spinach Penne Bake a try. You won't be disappointed!
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