Heart-Healthy Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake

Indulge guilt-free with this Heart-Healthy Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake, a comforting yet nutritious spin on classic comfort food. Made with fiber-rich whole-grain pasta, lean chicken breast, and a luscious blend of reduced-fat ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, this recipe delivers all the creamy, cheesy goodness you crave without the excess calories or sodium. Fresh baby spinach and aromatic garlic add bursts of flavor and nutrients, while heart-smart olive oil ties it all together. Seasoned with fragrant herbs like oregano and basil, this dish comes together in just 50 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option. Ideal for feeding a family or meal prepping, this delicious pasta bake is a wholesome way to satisfy your cravings while taking care of your heart.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 ounces Whole-grain pasta
• 1 pound Chicken breast
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 cup Low-sodium chicken broth
• 4 cups Baby spinach
• 1 cup Reduced-fat ricotta cheese
• 1 cup Reduced-fat mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Dried basil

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish lightly with olive oil or non-stick spray.

Step 2

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

Step 3

Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and bring to a simmer.

Step 5

Stir in the baby spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat.

Step 6

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken and spinach mixture, reduced-fat ricotta cheese, reduced-fat mozzarella cheese, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.

Step 7

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 8

Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, and dried basil over the top.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 10

Allow the bake to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your heart-healthy cheesy chicken pasta bake!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1576.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2039.7

Total Fat 84.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 38.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.5g
Cholesterol 570.1mg	0%
Sodium 3181.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 116.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 16.0g	0%
Total Sugars 14.1g
Protein 223.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2108.0mg	0%
Iron 12.2mg	0%
Potassium 1921.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 35.9%

Protein: 42.1%

Carbs: 22.0%