Description
This Cheesy Spinach Chicken Pasta Bake is a comforting and delicious American main course perfect for a family dinner. Combining tender cooked pasta, shredded chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich Alfredo sauce, it’s topped with a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses, then baked until bubbly and golden. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, this baked pasta casserole is an excellent way to enjoy creamy, cheesy goodness with a nutritious twist of spinach.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Chicken
- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or ziti)
- 2 cups cooked shredded or cubed chicken
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 (15-ounce) jar Alfredo sauce or homemade white sauce
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Toppings
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish (optional)
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Sauté Garlic and Spinach: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the chopped fresh spinach and cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded or cubed chicken, sautéed spinach with garlic, jarred Alfredo sauce, milk, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is evenly combined.
- Add Cheese: Fold in half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses into the mixture to distribute cheesy flavors throughout the bake before placing it in the dish.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly to ensure consistent baking.
- Top with Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top of the pasta mixture to create a golden cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the top is lightly golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired for a fresh touch.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add flavor.
- Add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for an extra flavorful twist.
- For a lighter version, substitute part of the Alfredo sauce with Greek yogurt or cream cheese.
