If you love comfort food that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with nutritious spinach and tender chicken, you are going to adore this Cheesy Spinach Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe. It’s a one-pan wonder that effortlessly blends silky ranch-flavored sauce with melty mozzarella, succulent chicken, and vibrant spinach all tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners when you want something filling, flavorful, and have minimal cleanup. Trust me, once you taste this hearty pasta bake, it will become a kitchen staple you’ll want to make over and over again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cheesy Spinach Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients. Each element plays a key role in delivering rich texture, balanced flavors, and that irresistible cheesy pull.
- Penne rigate (16 ounces): This ridged pasta holds onto sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is coated with creamy goodness.
- Sour cream (1 cup, 230 g): Adds tanginess and creaminess, making the sauce luxuriously smooth.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces): Provides a rich, velvety base that thickens and adds depth.
- Milk (½ cup, 122.5 g): Lightens the sauce just enough for a perfect consistency without losing creaminess.
- Dry ranch seasoning mix (3 tablespoons): Infuses the dish with herbaceous, savory notes that elevate every bite.
- Mozzarella cheese (2 cups, shredded): Melts beautifully on top, creating a bubbly, golden crust.
- Frozen spinach (10 ounces, thawed and squeezed): Adds color, nutrients, and a slight earthiness that balances the richness.
- Cooked and shredded chicken breast (3 cups, 420 g): Brings protein and heartiness, making the dish a satisfying main meal.
How to Make Cheesy Spinach Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step ensures your oven will be ready to give the pasta bake that perfect bubbly and melted cheese finish when it’s time to bake.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In a large, oven-safe skillet set over medium heat, combine the sour cream, cream cheese, milk, and dry ranch seasoning mix. Stir continuously until everything melts and blends into one smooth, creamy sauce. This sauce is the heart of the dish, bringing a luscious texture and bold flavor that perfectly coats every bite of pasta.
Step 3: Add Spinach and Chicken
Next, mix in the thawed and thoroughly squeezed spinach along with the shredded cooked chicken breast. Stir until the spinach and chicken are evenly incorporated into the sauce, distributing color and protein evenly across the creamy base.
Step 4: Combine with Pasta
Stir the cooked penne pasta into the skillet, making sure each piece is generously coated with the creamy spinach and chicken mixture. This step is crucial because it brings everything together into one deliciously cohesive bake.
Step 5: Top with Mozzarella and Bake
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the pasta mixture. Place the skillet in your preheated oven and bake for about 10 to 12 minutes, until the cheese melts, bubbles, and starts to turn a delightful golden shade.
Step 6: Broil to Finish
Switch your oven to broil and let the pasta bake broil for 2 more minutes. This gives the cheese a slightly crispy, browned topping that adds texture and an incredible flavor contrast to the creamy pasta below. Be sure to watch closely so it doesn’t burn!
Step 7: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Carefully remove the skillet from the oven and serve your Cheesy Spinach Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe warm. The cozy warmth enhances every creamy, cheesy, and savory note making for a comforting meal that everyone will love.
How to Serve Cheesy Spinach Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
While this dish stands well on its own, adding fresh garnishes can boost presentation and flavor. Try sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or basil on top to add a pop of color and a hint of herbaceous brightness that cuts through the richness.
Side Dishes
This hearty bake pairs beautifully with crisp side salads or steamed vegetables to balance the richness. Opt for a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted carrots for a colorful and refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this bake straight from the skillet for a rustic, family-style feel, or portion it into individual ramekins for elegant single servings. Adding a drizzle of chili oil or a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan can also add extra layers of flavor and visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making next-day reheats just as delicious if not better.
Freezing
This Cheesy Spinach Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe freezes well for up to 2 months. Freeze in a freezer-safe container without baking, then thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered with foil in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option, but oven reheating maintains texture and the cheesy goodness best.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! If you use fresh spinach, sauté it lightly until wilted before adding, and be sure to squeeze out excess moisture so your bake doesn’t become watery.
What can I substitute for ranch seasoning mix?
If you don’t have ranch seasoning, you can use a mix of dried herbs like dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper to mimic those flavors.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and consider adding mushrooms or extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for added texture and flavor.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Mozzarella works best for meltiness, but mixing in some cheddar or Monterey Jack can add extra depth and a sharper flavor twist.
How do I know when the pasta is perfectly cooked?
Cook the penne al dente according to package instructions—firm to the bite but fully cooked. This helps the pasta keep its texture after baking without becoming mushy.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Spinach Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe is truly a winner for any night you want comfort food done right. Creamy, cheesy, packed with tender chicken and nutrient-rich spinach, and bursting with flavor, it’s a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it part of your family favorites—it’s sure to delight every time!
Print
Cheesy Spinach Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Spinach Chicken Pasta Bake combines tender penne pasta with a creamy ranch-infused cheese sauce, nutritious spinach, and shredded chicken, all baked to golden, bubbly perfection. It’s a comforting and flavorful casserole perfect for family dinners or meal prepping.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 16 ounces penne rigate, cooked al dente
Sauce
- 1 cup (230 g) sour cream
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- ½ cup (122.5 g) milk
- 3 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning mix
Filling
- 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed of liquid
- 3 cups (420 g) cooked and shredded chicken breast
- 2 cups (226 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pasta dish later.
- Prepare Sauce: In a large, oven-safe skillet placed over medium heat, combine the sour cream, cream cheese, milk, and dry ranch seasoning mix. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated, creating a creamy base for the pasta.
- Add Spinach and Chicken: Mix the thawed and drained spinach and cooked shredded chicken breast into the creamy sauce in the skillet, ensuring everything is evenly distributed.
- Incorporate Pasta: Stir in the cooked penne pasta until the sauce evenly coats the pasta and all ingredients are well combined.
- Top with Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the pasta mixture. Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Broil for Crispiness: Switch your oven to broil and broil the dish for an additional 2 minutes or until the top of the cheese is browned and slightly crispy.
- Serve: Carefully remove the skillet from the oven and serve the cheesy spinach chicken pasta warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Make sure to squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the thawed spinach to prevent the dish from becoming watery.
- Use an oven-safe skillet or transfer the mixture to a baking dish before placing in the oven.
- For a spicier kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Feel free to substitute mozzarella with cheddar or a cheese blend for a different flavor profile.
