Spinach-Chicken Pasta Casserole(Heart Healthy)
A flavorful, heart-healthy pasta casserole combining tender chicken, spinach, and tomatoes with aromatic herbs, perfect for a nutritious family dinner.
Ingredients
- 10 oz. uncooked mostaccioli ⓘ
- 10 oz. frozen spinach ⓘ
- Pam vegetable cooking spray ⓘ
- 2/3 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 large cloves garlic, chopped ⓘ
- 1 lb. skinless, boneless chicken, cubed ⓘ
- 2 (14 1/2 oz.) cans tomatoes, undrained ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 1/4 tsp. dried basil
- 3/4 tsp. dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp. red hot sauce or crushed red pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Thaw spinach and drain well.
- Prepare mostaccioli according to package instructions.
- Spray a nonstick skillet with Pam vegetable cooking spray.
- Saute chopped onion and garlic in the skillet until fragrant.
- Add cubed chicken to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in undrained tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, and red hot sauce.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lower-carb option, substitute mostaccioli with spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice. You can also use cooked rotisserie chicken to save time. If you prefer a creamier texture, consider adding a small amount of low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt at the end of cooking. Season with fresh herbs for added flavor, or try incorporating Fettuccini Plus for a different pasta experience.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is delicious on its own but pairs beautifully with Zesty Italian Mini-Breadsticks for a complete meal. Consider serving a light side salad with a vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish. For a heartier option, complement it with a side of Genoese Minestrone Soup, which offers a variety of flavors and textures.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or until heated through, stirring halfway. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes. If the dish appears dry, add a splash of water or broth before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach-Chicken Pasta Casserole(Heart Healthy) contains roughly 437 calories, with 18g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (167% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (121% of the Daily Value), and calcium (104% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 487mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Assemble the ingredients, cover tightly, and store for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I use instead of chicken?
For a vegetarian option, you can substitute the chicken with chickpeas or lentils for added protein. Alternatively, use diced tofu or tempeh for a meat-free version. These substitutions will work well with the existing flavors of the dish.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of red hot sauce or crushed red pepper. You can also incorporate diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to elevate the spice level. Adjust the amount based on your personal preference for heat.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).