Chicken Tuscan Pasta Bake
Recipe Courtesy of Rachel Cooks
Creamy, flavorful, and healthy, Chicken Tuscan Pasta Bake is perfect to eat right away or to prep ahead and freeze for another day. Great for sharing with people in need of a meal, too.
Ingredients
- ▢ 1 package (13.25 oz) whole wheat penne pasta
- ▢ 1.25 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ▢ 1 small onion, diced (1/2 cup diced)
- ▢ 1 clove garlic, minced
- ▢ 5 ounces fresh baby kale
- ▢ 1 jar (7 oz) julienne cut sun dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained (oil reserved!) and patted dry
- ▢ 3 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese
- ▢ 1 cup milk (2% or whole)
- ▢ 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ▢ 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- If baking immediately, preheat oven to 350°F. Otherwise, begin on step 2.
- Spray a 9X13 or larger baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta to al dente according to package directions. Drain when finished cooking.
- Meanwhile, in a large deep skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of reserved sun dried tomato oil (or olive oil) and add chicken and onions. Saute until chicken is cooked through and onions are translucent, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add kale and sundried tomatoes and cook until kale is wilted, stirring frequently. Add cream cheese, milk, and Parmesan cheese. Stir to combine and cook until cream cheese is melted and incorporated. Add pasta and stir to coat pasta with all other ingredients. Pour into prepared baking dish and top with mozzarella cheese.
- If baking immediately, place in preheated oven and cook for 30 minutes or until cheese is melted. If you like a softer noodle, cover with foil during baking.
- If freezing, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil and place in freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, remove plastic and cover with foil. Place in cold oven and turn oven to 350°F. Bake for 45 minutes covered and then uncover and continue baking for 30 minutes longer or until heated through.
Image Courtesy of Rachel Cooks
