Winna Winna Chicken Dinna

Stella and I had an awesome day together today. We did a lil shopping and ate at the most delicious restaurant ever. I have a new fave - bye, bye Charanda's - HELLO DON PEDRO'S!!! Seriously it was so delicious I almost licked my plate but I saw the look in Stella's eyes saying "Mom, DON'T embarrass me!!" So I refrained...however, I will be back...SOON!!!

Stella is taking a MUCH needed nap {since she missed her afternoon nap} and dinner is in the oven. A very delicious dinner, I might add, that we haven't had in a while but is always a favorite. So, I thought I'd share this awesome recipe with my blogging friends and family. Ours looks prettier than this, but this is something similar.

CHICKEN & SPINACH PASTA BAKE

Ingredients

• 8 ounces uncooked rigatoni
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup finely chopped onion (about 1 medium)
• 1 (10-oz.) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed
• 3 cups cubed cooked chicken breasts
• 1 (14.5-oz.) can Italian-style diced tomatoes
• 1 (8-oz.) container chive-and-onion cream cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 1/2 cups (6 oz.) shredded mozzarella cheese

Preparation

1. Prepare rigatoni according to package directions.

2. Meanwhile, spread oil on bottom of an 11- x 7-inch baking dish; add onion in a single layer.

3. Bake at 375° for 15 minutes or just until tender. Transfer onion to a large bowl, and set aside.

4. Drain chopped spinach well, pressing between layers of paper towels.

5. Stir rigatoni, spinach, chicken, and next 4 ingredients into onion in bowl. Spoon mixture into baking dish, and sprinkle evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese.

6. Bake, covered, at 375° for 30 minutes; uncover and bake 15 more minutes or until bubbly.

Sausage 'n' Spinach Pasta Bake: Substitute 3 cups cooked, crumbled hot Italian sausage for 3 cups cubed cooked chicken breasts. Reduce salt to 1/4 tsp., and omit 1/2 tsp. pepper. Proceed with recipe as directed.

My hubby just said "It's a little time-consuming to make, but I LOVE it!" So that sums it up!

Tomorrow we're heading to Riverbanks Zoo in Colatown. Stella's first trip to the zoo - so exciting! I'll be sure to post pics! Have a great weekend!