Description
A vibrant and healthy Lemon Chicken Pasta Bake that is both gluten and dairy free. This one-dish meal combines tender chicken breast, zesty lemon, fresh spinach, and creamy coconut cream with gluten-free fusilli pasta, all baked together to perfection for a flavorful and comforting dinner option.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed (uncooked)
- 2 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 oz gluten-free fusilli pasta (uncooked)
- 2 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/4 cup coconut cream
- Zest of one lemon
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Season the chicken: Place the cubed chicken breast in a bowl. Add dried parsley, dried basil, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat the chicken evenly with the seasonings. Drizzle with olive oil and mix to combine.
- Combine chicken and pasta: Place the uncooked gluten-free fusilli pasta in the prepared baking dish. Add the seasoned chicken on top. Pour the chicken broth and lemon juice over the pasta and chicken. Gently toss everything together in the dish to distribute ingredients evenly. Cover the dish with a lid or foil.
- Bake pasta and chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Carefully remove the cover and sprinkle the minced garlic over the mixture. Toss gently again, then cover and return to the oven. Continue baking for an additional 20-22 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and the chicken is thoroughly cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Add spinach and coconut cream: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Stir in the chopped spinach and coconut cream thoroughly. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy, coating the pasta and chicken well.
- Finish and serve: Sprinkle the lemon zest and chopped parsley over the top of the pasta bake. Serve immediately while warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use coconut cream for a creamy texture without dairy; substitute with a dairy alternative if preferred.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
- Cover the dish during baking to allow pasta to cook evenly and absorb flavors.
- Gluten-free pasta is used to accommodate gluten-sensitive diets.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when seasoning the chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 37 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Lemon Chicken Pasta Bake, gluten free pasta recipe, dairy free chicken bake, healthy chicken pasta, one dish dinner, baked pasta with chicken
