Looking for a delicious and easy recipe that’s perfect for any occasion? This Cheesy Spinach Chicken Pasta Bake is sure to become a family favorite with its creamy, cheesy goodness and flavorful ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors: The combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and spinach creates a mouthwatering taste sensation.
- Quick prep time: With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can have this comforting dish on the table in no time.
- Perfect for meal prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Ingredient Notes:
- Pasta: Use penne rigate cooked al dente for the perfect texture.
- Dairy & Sauce: Sour cream, cream cheese, milk, dry ranch seasoning mix, and mozzarella cheese create a rich and creamy sauce.
- Other: Frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed of liquid) and cooked, shredded chicken breast add extra flavor and nutrients.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix together cooked pasta, sour cream, cream cheese, milk, ranch seasoning, mozzarella cheese, spinach, and chicken.
- Transfer mixture to the baking dish and top with more cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Helpful Tips:
- Add some crushed red pepper for a spicy kick.
- Swap the chicken for cooked turkey or ham for a different twist.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use fresh spinach for a brighter flavor.
- Let the dish sit for a few minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld.
- Experiment with different cheese blends for a unique taste.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair this Cheesy Spinach Chicken Pasta Bake with a simple green salad and a glass of white wine for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store leftovers, cover the dish with foil and refrigerate. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen? Yes, fresh spinach will work well in this recipe.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, assemble the pasta bake and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely, feel free to use your favorite pasta shape in this recipe.
Conclusion:
Try out this Cheesy Spinach Chicken Pasta Bake for a comforting and flavorful meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Don’t forget to share your feedback and enjoy this delicious dish!
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Cheesy Spinach Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Spinach Chicken Pasta Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender pasta, creamy spinach, and juicy chicken, all baked together with a cheesy sauce for a delicious meal.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 16 ounces penne rigate, cooked al dente
Dairy & Sauce:
- 1 cup (230 g) sour cream
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- ½ cup (122.5 g) milk
- 3 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning mix
- 2 cups (226 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
Other:
- 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed of liquid
- 3 cups (420 g) cooked and shredded chicken breast
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, sour cream, cream cheese, milk, ranch seasoning, mozzarella cheese, spinach, and chicken.
- Bake: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
- Serve: Let it cool slightly before serving and enjoy!
Notes
- You can customize this bake by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
- Feel free to top the dish with extra cheese before baking for an even cheesier finish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
