Baked Spinach Chicken Spaghetti

Here’s a delicious recipe for Baked Spinach Chicken Spaghetti that combines creamy spinach and chicken with spaghetti for a comforting dish!

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 oz spaghetti (or any pasta of your choice)
• 2 cups fresh spinach (chopped)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Season the chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
   • Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken breasts for about 5-6 minutes per side until cooked through and golden brown. Once cooked, remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly. After cooling, shred the chicken using two forks.

2. Cook the Spaghetti:

   • Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Prepare the Spinach and Sauce:

   • In the same skillet, add the fresh spinach and sauté over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until wilted. If needed, add a little more olive oil.
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, marinara sauce, heavy cream, and dried Italian herbs (if using). Stir until smooth.

4. Combine:

   • Add the shredded chicken, sautéed spinach, and cooked spaghetti into the mixing bowl with the cheese sauce. Stir until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the sauce.

5. Bake:

   • Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish (9×13-inch or similar size).
   • Top with extra shredded mozzarella cheese if desired.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden on top.

6. Serve:

   • Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
   • Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes:

• For an extra creamy texture, you can add a bit more heavy cream or even a splash of cream cheese to the sauce.
• You can also swap the spinach for other greens like kale or arugula if you prefer.

This baked spinach chicken spaghetti is rich, cheesy, and full of comforting flavors—perfect for a cozy family dinner!