Creamy Garden Fresh Pasta Bake - Gluten Free
Try this Creamy Garden Fresh Pasta Bake Gluten Free recipe
Try this Creamy Garden Fresh Pasta Bake Gluten Free recipe
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup plain greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan
- 2 cups chopped spinach
- 2 cups dry penne pasta (use brown rice pasta for gluten a
- 2 chicken breasts cut into bite sized pieces
- 2 tbsp. olive oil (split)
- 1 cup grated marble cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh chopped basil
- 1/2 cup fresh tomatoes ( i used grape tomatoes sliced in h
- Carbohydrate 6.12683937779147 g
- Cholesterol 30.0687500185554 mg
- Fat 9.95887625584543 g
- Fiber 0.388406254768372 g
- Protein 7.97711937736009 g
- Saturated Fat 5.81830537831068 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -6 (118g)
- Sodium 263.174187559635 mg
- Sugar 5.7384331230231 g
- Trans Fat 1.03285156329124 g
- Calories 144 calories
Step-by-step
- Cook pasta according to package instructions and set aside
- Meanwhile, heat 1 tbsp. of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper and cook until no longer pink, about 6-7 minutes. Stir every so often.
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside
- Reduce the heat to medium low and add another tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add the onions and sauté until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and stir for another minute
- Stir in the cream cheese and reduce the heat to low.
- Add the Greek yogurt, milk and parmesan cheese and stir well to combine.
- Add the spinach, tomatoes and basil and stir again.
- Finally add the cooked chicken and penne and stir everything well to combine
- Heat the oven to 375
- Grease a 9x9 dish and pour in the penne.
- Top with the grated marble cheese and bake for 20 minutes.
- If you like a crustier cheesy top, turn on the broiler and broil the pasta for 2 minutes or so to get that nice browned top.
- Serve warm
Creamy Garden Fresh Pasta Bake - Gluten Free: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a healthy and delicious dinner can feel like a Herculean task. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and after-school activities, the last thing I want to do is spend hours slaving away in the kitchen. That’s why I’m constantly on the lookout for quick, easy, and flavorful recipes that the whole family will love. This Creamy Garden Fresh Pasta Bake is a perfect example – a satisfying, flavorful meal that’s ready in under an hour, and it’s surprisingly easy to customize!
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. It all starts with a base of gluten-free penne pasta (I love using brown rice pasta for its nutty flavor and wholesome goodness), which is tossed with a creamy sauce made from Greek yogurt, cream cheese, and parmesan cheese. This creates a rich and decadent sauce without being overly heavy. Then comes the garden-fresh goodness: I typically use a mix of fresh spinach, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil, but feel free to experiment with whatever vegetables you have on hand. Adding grilled chicken (or even some leftover roasted chicken) provides a protein punch, and finishing it off with a layer of melted marble cheese adds the perfect touch of cheesy goodness.
Why this recipe works for busy weeknights:
- Speed: The entire dish comes together in under an hour, which is a lifesaver on busy weeknights.
- Simplicity: The recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, even for novice cooks.
- Flexibility: You can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand or what your family prefers. Love mushrooms? Throw some in! Prefer different herbs? Go for it! This recipe is your culinary canvas!
- Healthy twist: Using gluten-free pasta and plenty of vegetables makes this a surprisingly healthy option compared to traditional pasta bakes. The Greek yogurt adds a boost of protein and probiotics too.
- Make-ahead potential: While the baking time is short, much of the preparation can be done ahead of time. The sauce can be prepped and the pasta cooked earlier in the day, simply assemble and bake before dinner.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little kick.
- Veggie variations: Feel free to substitute other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
- Protein power: Swap the chicken for sausage, ground turkey, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
- Cheese please: Experiment with different cheeses. Mozzarella, cheddar, or even a blend would work well.
- Make it a casserole: Double the recipe and bake it in a larger dish for a crowd-pleasing meal.
This Creamy Garden Fresh Pasta Bake isn't just a recipe; it's a testament to the power of simple, flavorful ingredients and smart cooking techniques. It’s a dish that embraces the fresh tastes of summer and the comforting warmth of a home-cooked meal, all while fitting seamlessly into the hectic pace of modern life. So, next time you’re looking for a quick and delicious dinner that the whole family will devour, give this recipe a try. You won’t regret it!
