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Cheesy Spinach Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 44 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • 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

  1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pasta dish later.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Incorporate Pasta: Stir in the cooked penne pasta until the sauce evenly coats the pasta and all ingredients are well combined.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.

Find it online: https://slsrecipes.com/cheesy-spinach-chicken-pasta-bake-recipe/