Chicken and Spinach Pasta Bake

I love spinach...and chicken...and pasta...and cheese.  Well, you get the point.  I found this recipe for Chicken and Spinach Pasta Bake on pinterest a while ago and I keep peeking at it knowing I wanted to try it.  So tonight I made it.  With a few modifications of course :)

Mmmmm....look at that cheesy goodness!

Another angle of the cheesy goodness :)

Chicken and Spinach Pasta Bake recipe adapted from Saving Money Living Life
8 oz Whole Wheat Rigatoni uncooked
1 cup Chopped Onion
1 package Spinach, thawed and moisture squeezed out
2 Chicken Breasts, diced
1 Can Stewed Tomatoes with juice, roughly chopped
1 container Chive & Onion Cream Cheese (I used light)
1/2 tsp Black Pepper
2 Slices Provolone Cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (I used reduced fat)

• Combine everything except for provolone and mozzarella cheese in a large bowl and mix until well blended
• Pour mixture into an 8x12 casserole dish and pour 1/2 cup water over top (check after 30 minutes and add more water if needed 1/4 cup at a time)
• Cover with foil and bake in a preheated 375 degree oven for 45 minutes or until noodles are tender
• Top with cheeses and return to the oven uncovered until cheese is melted about 10 minutes

This is super simple and easy.  You could boil the noodles first if you prefer, but then eliminate the water and only bake for about 30 minutes to heat through.  I liked doing it this way because the noodles were al dente and the chicken was moist.  Not to mention that is one less pot I have to wash :)

Everyone really enjoyed this recipe, but I think I would throw in a container of cherry tomatoes next time instead of canned and eliminate the onion or use just plain cream cheese.  So be warned if you don't like onions this has a strong onion flavor!  If you're not a fan eliminate the onion and use herbed or plain cream cheese :)  Play with it, have some fun, and find your perfect combination!

The nutritional value if for one 1/2 cup serving.  This recipe yields approximately 10 servings.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 178 g

Amount Per Serving

Calories 269 Calories from Fat 88

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 9.8g 15%

Saturated Fat 4.8g 24%

Trans Fat 0.0g

Cholesterol 58mg 19%

Sodium 349mg 15%

Total Carbohydrates 23.1g 8%

Dietary Fiber 3.2g 13%

Sugars 4.6g

Protein 20.7g

Vitamin A 66% • Vitamin C 19% Calcium 17% • Iron 13%

Nutrition Grade B-

* Based on a 2000 calorie diet

Nutritional Analysis

Good points

• Very high in vitamin A