Introduction: When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the creamy goodness of a well-made pasta. Elevating this classic, we’re introducing a mouthwatering recipe that combines tender chicken mince, nutritious spinach, and a rich white sauce, all baked to perfection. Topping it off is a delightful layer of golden, crispy breadcrumbs that add a satisfying crunch to every bite. This Oven-Baked Creamy Pasta with Chicken Mince, Spinach, and Crispy Breadcrumbs is the epitome of comfort food meets gourmet delight.Get ready to discover how to create this indulgent yet wholesome oven-baked creamy pasta with chicken mince and spinach in white sauce, crowned with crispy breadcrumbs.

Ingredients:

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz (340g) pasta of your choice (penne, fettuccine, etc.)
• 1 lb (450g) ground chicken mince
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste 

For chicken mince:

• ½ half a cup of chopped onion and 
• 1 tablespoon of chopped garlic
• Salt n pepper as per taste  
• 2 cups fresh spinach 

For the White Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• ¼  cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt, pepper, and and dried basil leaves to taste

For the Crispy topping:

• 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko works well)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• ¼  cup grated Parmesan cheese 
• Garlic powder 
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, thyme, basil)

Instructions:

• Prepare the Pasta:
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• Cook the Chicken Mince:
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
  • Add chopped onion and garlic. Slightly saute until it becomes translusent.    Then add chicken mince and cook until no longer pink, breaking it up with a spatula. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
• Make the White Sauce:
  • In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
  • Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
  • Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form.
  • Cook the sauce, stirring constantly, until it thickens.
  • Reduce the heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
• Combine Ingredients:
  • Add the cooked chicken mince, chopped spinach, and cooked pasta to the white sauce. Gently mix until everything is well combined.
• Prepare Crispy Breadcrumbs:
  • In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs, melted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, and dried Italian herbs. Mix well.
• Assemble and Bake:
  • Transfer the creamy pasta mixture to a greased baking dish.
  • Sprinkle the crispy breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top.
• Bake and Serve:
  • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are slightly golden and the dish is heated through.
• Serve and Enjoy:
  • Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
  • Dish out generous portions onto plates, and enjoy the delightful medley of flavors and textures in each forkful.

Conclusion: This oven-baked creamy chicken and spinach pasta with crispy breadcrumbs is a fantastic dish that blends creamy comfort with a satisfying crunch. The combination of tender chicken mince, wholesome spinach, and rich white sauce will have your taste buds singing with delight. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or simply treating yourself, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to savor the magic of this hearty and flavorful pasta bake and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors, textures, and aromas that will have your taste buds dancing with joy.