Cheesy Spinach Baked Chicken Casserole
Easy baked chicken recipes are super easy to find, but when you find one with this much flavor, you don't let it go. Cheesy Spinach Baked Chicken Casserole is one of those easy dinner ideas that will have your family begging for seconds. Made with creamy Mozzarella cheese, bowtie pasta, fresh baby spinach, and boneless chicken breasts, this is one of the easiest casseroles you'll ever make. Simple ingredients and great flavor - what more could you want in a dinner recipe? And, did we mention it cooks in 30 minutes? That's right.
Notes
*You could substitute chicken tenders for the diced breasts if you wish.
**If you don’t have a large/deep enough skillet, brown the chicken, garlic and salt. Remove chicken to a large bowl using a slotted spoon and add wine and spinach to the pan, stirring until wilted. Combine all, including the pasta, in the large bowl and pour into the bake dish.
Serves6
Cooking Time30 min
Cooking MethodCasserole, Oven
Cooking Vessel Size9x13-inch baking dish
Ingredients
- 1 pound bowtie pasta (sometimes called Farfalle)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 pounds skinless boneless chicken breasts (diced)*
- 8 cloves garlic, minced very fine
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 5 cups fresh baby spinach, stems removed
- 2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly spray a 9x13-inch bake dish with cooking spray.
-
Place a large stockpot filled with at 4 quarts water and 1 tablespoon salt over high heat. When it comes to a rolling boil, drop in the pasta and cook for the time specified on the package. Drain.
-
While pasta water heats and pasta cooks, place a 12-inch round x 3-inch deep non-stick fry pan over medium high heat. Add the oil and cook the chicken, stirring frequently until chicken is nearly cooked through, about 5 minutes.
-
Add the garlic and salt and stir, continuing to cook 2-3 minutes until chicken is cooked and very fragrant.
-
Stir in the wine over high heat, stirring to lift any browned bits in the bottom of the pan, then add the spinach and continue to cook and stir another 5 minutes until spinach wilts.
-
Turn off the heat, add the drained pasta to the pan and stir to combine. Pour into prepared pan. Sprinkle cheese on top and bake until hot and lightly browned, about 20 minutes.
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Lynn K
Sep 29, 2017
Lovely flavors that combine beautifully. We used chicken thighs cut into bite sized pieces and instead of farfalle we used fettucine pasta. We had no mozzarella so used cheddar plus a little emmentaler cheese. It is easy to prepare and is filling, too, so fed our whole family.
Rnbowgrl
May 01, 2017
Everything about this recipe is drool worthy and if the combination of chicken and cheese isn't enough, the addition of spinach will definitely get my attention any day. I'd probably use penne pasta instead of bowtie or maybe some of those frozen noodles...for a super hearty meal. Either way, you really can't go wrong here.
Maggie G
Mar 26, 2017
This recipe takes mac and cheese to the next level by giving it a nice spinach dip twist! If you don't like spinach, try substituting kale, diced tomatoes, artichoke hearts, or any veggie that you do like! I also agree that chicken broth, or even vegetable broth, would work well in place of the wine! Just remember that wine does add a nice flavor and the alcohol goes away when cooking.
msdeb21
Mar 23, 2017
I feel the same way about spinach, Ruthep. I like spinach dip and spinach pizza. I will try this recipe because we like chicken and pasta, and it won't hurt to have a veggie in our casserole. I just don't know if my family will go for it. I think it looks delicious!
Ruthep
Mar 20, 2017
I like spinach when it is in a dish such as this or a dip. I don't like it by itself. If you don't want to use wine, you could use chicken broth. I am not a wine drinker and I don't cook with it much so I don't keep it around so I will use the chicken broth.
Kate Abbey
Mar 30, 2016
This recipe sounds delicious! Casseroles are perfect when you need comfort food. Can't wait to try on the next cold, dreary day
michellej34 543658 4
Mar 26, 2015
When adding the garlic and salt to chicken, it states to cook 23 minutes. I am assuming it should be 2 to 3 minutes. Will try this recipe.
pcody1 1542508
Mar 12, 2015
The recipe instructions don't mention cutting up the chicken breasts. I had to read several times to realize that's probably what was intended. Sounds delicious though.
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