Chicken 'n' Spinach Pasta Bake

KathyP53's Note:

Easy, flavorful family food from Southern Living.

• Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 8 ounces uncooked rigatoni pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup finely chopped onion (about 1 medium)
• 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed (I used 10 oz. fresh baby spinach leaves, chopped)
• 3 cups cubed cooked chicken breasts (I used chopped rotisserie chicken from the grocery deli)
• 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can Italian-style diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (8 ounce) container chive & onion cream cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions:

1. Prepare rigatoni acoording to package directions.
2. Meanwhile, spread oil on bottom of an 11x7" baking dish; add onion in a single layer. Bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes or just until tender. Transfer onion to a large bowl and set aside.
3. Drain thawed spinach well, pressing between layers of paper towls.
4. Stir rigatoni, spinach, chicken and next 4 ingredients into onion in bowl. Spoon mixture into baking dish, and sprinkle evenly with shredded mozzarela cheese.
5. Bake, covered, at 375 degrees for 30 minutes; uncover and bake 15 more minutes or until bubbly.

Reviews

[Martha Cooks!]

This was so delicious! What a great use of the chive and onion cream cheese. My husband said it was five stars. I agree with TheBabblingHousewife that this could use a little more moisture. This dish was so yummy that I'm going to make it for a friend on Friday when she comes home from the hospital. But, I will add marinara or sour cream and garlic salt. I did not drain my diced tomatoes. I also seasoned the chicken with salt and pepper before cooking it. I also mixed the cheese in with the pasta as well as topped it after 30 minutes with more cheese. It only stayed in the oven for about 3 minutes the second time in. Yum yum. Thanks!

[megs_]

Really yummy and a great way to have some great spinach! :) I used whole grain pasta and low-fat cheese. I omitted the tomatoes. Next time, I might like it a bit creamier so I might add some ricotta or extra cream cheese. It's a keeper!

[Mrs. Hughes]

This was ok but I don't think I'll make it again. I don't think I like the cream cheese in it.