Description

This Chicken Spinach Pasta Bake is a comforting, cheesy casserole that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. It features tender chicken, fresh spinach, pasta, and a creamy sauce all baked together under a blanket of melted cheese. Easy to prepare and made with simple pantry staples, this crowd-pleaser will become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rigatoni works best)
2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Sauce

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cups marinara sauce
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste

For Baking

1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (extra, for topping)

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, drain, and set aside. If using raw chicken, cook and shred or dice it. Chop the spinach and measure out remaining ingredients.
Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Make the Sauce: Pour in the marinara sauce, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine, then let simmer for 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add Spinach and Chicken: Add the chopped spinach to the sauce and cook just until wilted, about 1 minute. Stir in the cooked chicken and let everything heat through.
Combine with Pasta and Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta. Pour the chicken, spinach, and sauce mixture over the pasta. Add 2 cups shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan. Gently toss to combine.
Assemble the Bake: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the extra mozzarella cheese on top.
Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with more Parmesan or fresh basil if desired.

Notes

You can substitute rotisserie chicken to save time.
Try adding mushrooms or bell peppers for extra veggies.
Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a dietary variation.
This dish freezes well before baking; thaw before cooking.
Adjust cheese amounts to your preference for a lighter or richer bake.