When time is of the essence but you refuse to compromise on flavor, the Quick Chicken, Spinach & Pumpkin Pasta Bake comes to your rescue. This recipe is a testament to the magic that can be created in the kitchen in just a matter of minutes. With tender chicken mince, vibrant baby spinach, and the comforting creaminess of pumpkin soup, this pasta bake will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. The indulgent blanket of Perfect Italiano™ Perfect Bakes cheese on top adds the perfect finishing touch to this comforting and flavorful dish. Let’s dive into the art of creating a quick, wholesome, and delicious meal that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite.
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Serves: 6
INGREDIENTS:
- 500 g dried rigatoni
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 500 g chicken mince
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 500 g tinned pumpkin soup
- 120 g baby spinach leaves
- 3 ⅓ cups (300 g) Perfect Italiano™ Perfect Bakes cheese
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan-forced).
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to the instructions on the packet. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken mince and crushed garlic to the pan. Cook while stirring frequently for about 3 minutes, ensuring the chicken mince is broken up and cooked through.
- Stir in the tinned pumpkin soup and reduce the heat to low. Allow the mixture to simmer uncovered for 2 minutes. Add the baby spinach leaves and stir until they wilt. Add half of the Perfect Italiano™ Perfect Bakes cheese to the pan, mixing it through the sauce. Then, add the cooked rigatoni to the pan, stirring to ensure that the pasta is evenly coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Transfer the pasta mixture into an 8-cup (2 litre) capacity baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining Perfect Italiano™ Perfect Bakes cheese over the top.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and turned a delightful golden hue.
SERVE & ENJOY:
- As you take the first forkful of the Quick Chicken, Spinach & Pumpkin Pasta Bake, relish the symphony of flavors that unfold on your palate. The creamy pumpkin soup, the savory chicken mince, and the tender baby spinach come together in perfect harmony, complemented by the rich and gooey layer of Perfect Italiano™ Perfect Bakes cheese on top. This dish is a testament to the notion that quick and easy meals can still be bursting with flavor and comfort. Share the joy with your loved ones and enjoy a meal that warms the soul and brings smiles to the table.
