Lunch: Fontina Chicken & Pasta Bake Recipe

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Chicken Breast, Spinach

Health benefits of Fontina Chicken & Pasta Bake Recipe

Skinless chicken breast, often heralded for its lean nutritional profile, is undeniably a powerhouse when it comes to protein content. With an impressive 21 grams of protein packed into every 100 grams of the breast, it emerges as a preferred choice for those conscious about their protein intake. Delving deeper into the nutritional matrix of chicken, one can't overlook the copious amounts of vitamin B6 it houses. This particular vitamin plays an indispensable role in our body, especially when discussing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) management.

For individuals grappling with PCOS, the internal hormonal turbulence can be overwhelming, often leading to a spike in testosterone and androgen levels. This is where vitamin B6 comes into the spotlight. Acting as a balancer, vitamin B6 diligently works behind the scenes to keep these hormones in check, ensuring they don't surge beyond desirable levels. It is this equilibrium that becomes paramount for those earnestly looking to curtail the excessive flow of testosterone and androgen. In the broader spectrum of PCOS management, incorporating foods rich in vitamin B6, like chicken breast, can be a strategic move, providing both nutritional sustenance and hormonal balance.

Spinach is a nutrient-dense leafy green vegetable that is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron, magnesium, and antioxidants. The high iron content in spinach helps combat anemia, which is common in women with PCOS. Magnesium helps reduce inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity. The antioxidants in spinach can help lower oxidative stress, which is beneficial for managing PCOS symptoms. Including spinach in your diet can support overall health and well-being.

Ingredients

1 package (16 ounces) uncooked spiral pasta
4 teaspoons olive oil, divided
2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
1/2 pound sliced fresh mushrooms
4 garlic cloves, minced
3 cans (10-3/4 ounces each) condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
1-1/2 cups chicken broth
1-1/2 cups (6 ounces) shredded fontina cheese, divided
4 teaspoons minced fresh oregano or 1-1/4 teaspoons dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 packages (6 ounces each) fresh baby spinach, coarsely chopped
2 medium tomatoes, chopped

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 °. Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente.
Meanwhile, heat 3 teaspoons oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken in batches; cook and stir 3-5 minutes or until no longer pink. Remove from pan.
In same pan, add mushrooms to remaining oil; cook and stir over medium-high heat 3-5 minutes or until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in soup, broth, 1 cup cheese, oregano and pepper. Add spinach and tomatoes; return chicken to pan.
Drain pasta; add to soup mixture and toss to combine. Divide between two greased 8-in. square baking dishes. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake, covered, 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Freeze option: Cool unbaked casseroles; cover and freeze. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350 °. Cover casseroles with foil; bake as directed, increasing baking time to 1-1/4 hours or until heated through and a thermometer inserted in center reads 165 °.

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