Freezer to Oven: Mama's Creamy Chicken Penne Bake

 

It's been awhile since I posted recipes.  Oh was this so delicious!  I did some modifications to the original recipe - used gluten free pasta and did not include the baby spinach leaves nor the optional items.  Actually, I did sprinkle a little bit of grated mozzarella & cheddar cheese.   Also, I didn't use as much of the Mama Mia Marinara Sauce Mix due to its spiciness.  I did the no-freeze option and dished up the leftovers to put in the freezer.

Here's the original ingredients:

12 oz penne pasta
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
1 (8 oz) pkg sliced fresh baby bella mushrooms
2 tsp Garlic Garlic Seasoning
1/2 tsp Seasoned Salt
4 c chopped fresh baby spinach leaves
1 (15 oz) jar four cheese Alfredo pasta sauce
1 (14.5 oz) can no salt added diced tomatoes, undrained
1/4 c Mama Mia Marinara Sauce Mix
3/4 c plain panko bread crumbs, optional
1/2 c grated Parmesan cheese, optional
2 Tbsp butter, melted, optional

1.  Prepare pasta according to package directions, cooking 1 minute less that al dente.  Rinse with cold water and drain well.  Place in a greased freezer to oven-safe 13x9-inch baking dish; set aside.

2.  Meanwhile, in large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add next 4 ingredients.  Saute until chicken is cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.  Stir in spinach; remove from heat and let spinach wilt.  Cool; add to pasta.

3.  In medium bowl, combine Alfredo, undrained tomatoes and Mama Mia Marinara Sauce Mix.  Add to pasta; toss to coat.  If desired, in small bowl combine remaining 3 ingredients; sprinkle over pasta.

4.  Cover with plastic wrap, then aluminum foil.  Seal well, label and freeze.

5.  To bake from frozen, preheat oven to 400 degrees F.  Remove foil and plastic wrap; loosely replace foil.  Bake 45 minutes.  Remove foil and continue baking 20-25 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F on an instant read food thermometer.  Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Serve with green salad.

No Freeze Option:  Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.  Prepare through step 3.  Bake 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and lightly browned.

Active Time:  30 minutes
Total Time:  1 3/4 hours
Makes 6 servings

Nutrition per Serving (excludes optional toppings):

Calories:  420
Total Fat: 9g
   Sat Fat: 3g
Cholest:  75mg
Sodium: 1,130mg
Carbs: 57g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 9g
Protein: 28g

Enjoy!  Products can be purchased from my website.