Asiago Chicken Pasta Bake

How to Make

• Step 1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

• Step 2: Coat a 2 quart casserole dish with cooking spray.

• Step 3: Place a large pot of water over high heat, then bring to a boil. Add pasta and a generous pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally for about 2 minutes less than the recommended cooking time on the package.

• Step 4: Drain pasta completely, and transfer to a large mixing bowl, then set aside.

• Step 5: Leave colander in the sink to drain the spinach.

• Step 6: Place large skillet over medium heat, add spinach and 1/4 cup water. Cook, stirring frequently, just until the spinach is wilted, and becomes dark green. Remove spinach from pan then place in the strainer. Press as much water as possible from the spinach by pressing with the back of a spoon, then set aside to cool.

• Step 7: Return skillet to heat, and add olive oil. When the oil is hot, add cubed chicken, then cook for 2 minutes until chicken begins to turn white.

• Step 8: Add salt, pepper, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil and dried oregano, then stir to combine.

• Step 9: Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the chicken becomes light golden brown and is barely cooked through. Don’t worry if the chicken is slightly undercooked; it will finish in the oven.

• Step 10: Transfer chicken from skillet onto a plate, then set aside.

• Step 11: Leave remaining oil in the skillet, and if necessary, add enough additional olive oil to make 2 tablespoons.

• Step 12: Add onions, and cook 3-4 minutes, until softened.

• Step 13: Add 2 tablespoons of flour to oil in the skillet, then stir to dissolve.

• Step 14: Cook for 1 minute, then stir in milk to dissolve flour mixture completely. Bring milk to boil, then let it bubble for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.

• Step 15: Reduce heat to medium-low, then add cream cheese. Stir until completely melted and incorporated.

• Step 16: Add Asiago cheese, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Remove from heat, then stir to combine.

• Step 17: Chop spinach coarsely then stir it into the sauce. Once spinach is distributed through the sauce, pour sauce over the pasta in mixing bowl.

• Step 18: Add chicken to the bowl, then toss to combine.

• Step 19: Transfer mixture to the prepared casserole dish, then top with Mozzarella cheese. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown, and the sauce is bubbly.