This chicken spinach pasta bake is the ultimate easy and comforting dinner! Made with tender chicken, nutritious spinach, and pasta baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce. This family-friendly meal is packed with flavor and nutrition. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a cozy gathering, this hearty casserole comes together with simple ingredients and minimal effort. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in extra greens for picky eaters! Whether you’re looking for a quick make-ahead dinner or a satisfying baked pasta dish, this chicken spinach pasta bake is sure to be a hit!
What do you need to make this chicken spinach pasta bake + substitutions:
- Cooked chicken- We chose a cooked rotisserie chicken because we had one and it made prep easy. Chicken breasts and mild or spicy Italian sausage would make a great substitute. The pasta is plenty delicious on it’s own too if you prefer vegetarian!
- Elbow pasta- We went with elbow pasta because it was all we had, but you can use whatever you prefer. I love getting our pasta from either Azure Standard, Costco, or Thrive Market.
- Olive oil– There is just nothing like some good quality olive oil. We use a ton of olive oil, because it’s one of my favorite things! Avocado oil works well too.
- Garlic- Fresh garlic is 100% ideal here. There’s nothing like fresh garlic!
- Spinach- We love cooking with spinach because its the perfect green that cooks down and is not overpowering. We love Organic Girl spinach and is a staple in our home. It’s the freshest and best tasting spinach we’ve ever found. Our favorite tip is to buy the large sizes and freeze some to throw into meals anytime.
- Grass fed butter- Grass-fed butter is what we prefer!
- Einkorn flour- A nutrient dense flour we love to use, but most flours work here.
- Whole milk- Whole milk is a rich, creamy dairy staple, offering a naturally balanced source of protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients for cooking and baking.
- Mozzarella- The shredded mozzarella just melts right in making the cheesy, dreamy, delicious goodness.
- Parmesan- Parmesan cheese is a nutty, savory delight that adds depth and richness to any dish.
- Sea salt- We use Redmond sea salt, it’s our favorite and we use it in everything! You can use the code daddioskitchen for 15% off. We get the big big bag! 🙂
- Black pepper- Black pepper is a bold, aromatic spice with a sharp, slightly spicy flavor that enhances both savory and sweet dishes, making it a versatile staple in any kitchen.
- Fresh basil- You can sprinkle with either fresh basil or fresh Italian parsley! Fresh herbs just give a beautiful color pop and flavor pop to this chicken spinach pasta bake!
If you love this one, you may also love:
Alright, let’s get to making the recipe! Enjoy!
Chicken Spinach Pasta Bake
This chicken spinach pasta bake is the ultimate easy and comforting dinner! Made with tender chicken, nutritious spinach, and pasta baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce. This family-friendly meal is packed with flavor and nutrition. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a cozy gathering, this hearty casserole comes together with simple ingredients and minimal effort. Plus, it's a great way to sneak in extra greens for picky eaters! Whether you're looking for a quick make-ahead dinner or a satisfying baked pasta dish, this chicken spinach pasta bake is sure to be a hit!
Servings 6
Ingredients
- ½ lb pasta (elbows, penne, rigatoni, etc!)
- ½ lb cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 tbsp grassfed butter
- 1 tbsp einkorn flour or all-purpose flour
- 1¾ cups whole milk
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for about 1 minute. Add the fresh spinach and sauté for 2-3 minutes until wilted and softened. Season with a pinch of salt.
- Next, make the sauce. In a small saucepan, add in the butter. Let it melt. Add in the flour and mix until you create a roux (thick paste).
- Pour in the milk and whisk well until combined. Add in ½ cup mozzarella cheese and about 1/4 cup parmesan. Whisk until well combined. Add in ½ tsp sea salt & all the seasonings. Let the sauce thicken slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, spinach and sauce mixture. Stir until well combined.
- Transfer the pasta to a greased 9×9 baking dish. Sprinkle with the shredded mozzarella cheese on top, and add extra Parmesan if desired.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake in the oven for 15 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes. Optional to broil it for 2-4 minutes to get the top golden brown!
- Serve & enjoy!
Notes
For Storing: Store in airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.