Ultimate Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta Bake

There’s nothing like a piping-hot casserole straight from the oven, and this Ultimate Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta Bake is everything you want in comfort food—with a healthy twist! Think tender pasta smothered in a rich, creamy sauce, juicy chicken bites, and bursts of spinach for a nutritious kick. It’s hearty, easy to make, and guaranteed to become a family favorite. Let’s dive in!

📋 Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 6

🛒 Ingredients

For the Pasta Bake:

• 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite short pasta)
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie chicken works great!)
• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk (whole milk for extra creaminess!)
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning

Optional Toppings:

• ¼ cup breadcrumbs (for a crunchy golden topping)
• 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter

🥘 How to Make It

1. Cook the Pasta:
   • Boil your pasta in salted water until just al dente (it will finish cooking in the oven). Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Sauce:
   • In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
   • Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.
   • Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
   • Stir in the cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the sauce thickens and is smooth, about 5–7 minutes.
3. Assemble the Bake:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, spinach, and creamy sauce. Mix until everything is well-coated.
4. Layer It Up:
   • Spread the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
   • Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly on top.
5. Add the Topping (Optional):
   • Toss breadcrumbs with olive oil or melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese layer for extra crunch.
6. Bake to Perfection:
   • Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
   • Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving—then dig in!

💡 Tips & Tricks

• Shortcut Tip: Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken for maximum ease.
• Sneak in Veggies: Feel free to add more greens like kale or zucchini for extra nutrition.
• Make It Ahead: Assemble the dish a day in advance and bake it when you’re ready—just add 5–10 minutes to the bake time.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
• Freezer-Friendly: Freeze unbaked pasta bake for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

✨ Variations

• Protein Swap: Use diced turkey, ham, or even cooked sausage instead of chicken.
• Vegan Option: Swap the chicken for chickpeas, use plant-based milk and cheese, and thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs, plus a gluten-free flour blend for the sauce.
• Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.

❤️ Why You’ll Love It

• Comforting & Cozy: Creamy, cheesy, and baked to bubbly perfection.
• Family-Friendly: Loved by picky eaters and foodies alike.
• Quick & Easy: Perfect for weeknights with simple ingredients.
• Customizable: Adaptable for different diets and preferences.

📌 Pinterest Pro Tip

Save this recipe to your #ComfortFood or #EasyWeeknightDinners board—you’ll thank yourself later! Don’t forget to share the cheesy goodness with your friends using #CreamyChickenBake and #DinnerGoals.