Description
This Cheesy Chicken and Spinach Pasta Bake is a comforting, hearty casserole combining tender rigatoni pasta, wholesome spinach, and savory cooked chicken all mixed in a creamy tomato and cream cheese sauce. Topped with melted mozzarella cheese and baked to golden perfection, this dish makes a perfect family-friendly dinner that is easy to prepare and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 8 oz uncooked rigatoni
- 1 (10-oz) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed
- 1 (14.5-oz) can Italian-style diced tomatoes, undrained
- 3 Tbsp dried minced onion flakes
Proteins and Dairy
- 3 cups cooked chopped chicken
- 1 (8-oz) container chive-and-onion cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Seasonings
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking and set it aside for the casserole.
- Cook the Rigatoni: Cook the rigatoni pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
- Drain Spinach: Thoroughly drain the thawed frozen chopped spinach by pressing it between layers of paper towels to remove as much excess water as possible; this prevents a soggy casserole.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rigatoni, well-drained spinach, chopped cooked chicken, dried minced onion flakes, undrained Italian-style diced tomatoes, softened chive-and-onion cream cheese, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and 1/2 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spoon the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole for a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 35 to 45 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
Notes
- Ensure the spinach is well-drained to avoid excess moisture in your bake.
- If you prefer, you can substitute the cooked chicken with rotisserie chicken for added flavor and convenience.
- Feel free to use a different type of cheese like cheddar or gouda for a different flavor twist.
- Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes after baking for easier serving.
