Creamy Spinach Artichoke Bake
Prep Time: 1 hour hr
Cook Time: 30 minutes mins
Total Time: 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins
Comfort food at its finest, this creamy spinach artichoke bake with chicken meatballs is so delicious.
Prepare the pasta:
Boil a pot of water and cook the mini rigatoni according to the package. Make sure you cook it al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
Drain the water using a colander and drizzle the pasta with olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Prepare the chicken meatballs:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, milk, egg, Italian breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, dried parsley, dried oregano, salt and pepper.
Mix well using your hands.
Form the chicken mixture into evenly sized meatballs. I was able to get 30 small meatballs.
Heat an 11-inch skillet over medium heat.
Add the vegetable oil and allow it to get hot.
Once the oil is hot but not smoking, add the meatballs to the oil to get a golden-brown sear. Turn frequently to prevent burning.
Repeat for all of the meatballs. Place the partially cooked meatballs on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.
Set the meatballs aside.
Prepare the sauce:
In a 3.5-quart saucepan over medium heat add the butter, diced onion, and minced garlic.
Next, add the chicken broth, reserved pasta water, cream cheese, parmesan cheese, salt and pepper.
Once the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy, add the artichoke hearts and spinach. Let the spinach completely wilt.
Assemble the dish:
Combine the cooked pasta, chicken meatballs and spinach artichoke sauce.
Once everything is well coated, pour the mixture into the 9x13-inch ceramic baking dish.
Top with mozzarella pearls, cover with foil.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken meatballs are fully cooked through. You will want them to be 165 degrees Fahrenheit inside.
Remove the foil and broil the entire dish for 2-3 minutes to get the cheese crispy on top.
Finish with extra grated parmesan and red pepper flakes. Serve warm.
Serving: 1serving, Calories: 671kcal, Carbohydrates: 42g, Protein: 31g, Fat: 43g, Saturated Fat: 25g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 10g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 136mg, Sodium: 1047mg, Potassium: 719mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 1907IU, Vitamin C: 9mg, Calcium: 315mg, Iron: 3mg
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 671