If you crave comfort food but still want some greens on your plate, the Chicken Spinach Pasta Bake is about to be your new best friend! This cheesy, creamy casserole combines tender rotisserie chicken, fresh spinach, and perfectly cooked pasta in a swoon-worthy sauce—easy enough for a weeknight, but impressive enough for guests.

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Ultimate Comfort Food: Cheesy, creamy, and cozy, this Chicken Spinach Pasta Bake is exactly the kind of dish that makes everyone feel at home.
Simple & Convenient: Rotisserie chicken and pantry staples make this a breeze to throw together—even on a busy night.
Family & Crowd Friendly: It serves eight, so it’s perfect for Sunday family dinner, casual potlucks, or meal prepping lunches for the week.
Super Customizable: The recipe invites you to swap cheeses or pasta shapes, and sneak in extra veggies when you feel inspired.

Chicken Spinach Pasta Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients & Substitutions

What I love about this Chicken Spinach Pasta Bake is how the simple ingredients come together so harmoniously—each adds something essential, whether it’s a burst of color from the spinach, the richness of the cheese, or the comforting backbone of the homemade béchamel.

Rigatoni pasta (or similar shape): Holds the creamy sauce beautifully; feel free to use penne or ziti if that’s what you have.
Rotisserie chicken, cooked and shredded: A flavorful, timesaving choice, but baked or poached chicken works in a pinch.
Fresh spinach: Adds freshness, color, and gentle earthy flavor; swap for kale or arugula if you’d like.
Butter: Sets the stage for a rich, satiny sauce.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the béchamel, giving it that irresistible, clingy texture.
Warm whole milk: The key to a creamy, dreamy sauce—using it warm prevents lumps!
Salt: Brings all the flavors to life; taste and adjust as your heart desires.
Garlic, grated: Infuses delicate warmth throughout the casserole.
Dried oregano: Adds Italian flair and depth.
Smoked paprika: Gives a subtle smokiness that makes the flavor pop.
Nutmeg: A pinch gives the sauce a whisper of nuttiness—trust me, it’s magic.
Fontina cheese, shredded: Melts like a dream! Mozzarella, gouda, or your favorite melting cheese work wonderfully too.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Chicken Spinach Pasta Bake

Step 1: Prep Your Dish and Pasta

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and giving your baking dish a quick greasing—this prevents sticking and makes clean-up a total breeze. Then, cook your pasta just shy of al dente (think one minute less than the package says), since it’ll keep cooking in the oven and soak up all those lovely flavors.

Step 2: Layer the Pasta, Chicken & Spinach

Drain the pasta and get it straight into the baking dish while it’s still warm. Pile on your shredded chicken and scatter the fresh spinach on top—the spinach will wilt just enough during baking to become silky and tender.

Step 3: Make the Béchamel Sauce

In a saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, melt the butter, then whisk in the flour until you have a golden, smooth roux (about 1 minute). Gradually whisk in your warm milk—it’ll make the sauce creamy without lumps. Keep stirring as it thickens, then season with salt, oregano, smoked paprika, nutmeg, and freshly grated garlic for a doubly delicious aroma and depth.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Casserole

Pour the béchamel over the pasta mixture and use a big spoon to stir until everything is coated in that luscious, cheesy sauce. Sprinkle shredded fontina evenly across the top for ultimate melt factor. Bake for 15–20 minutes until bubbly, then broil for a couple of minutes if you want a golden, irresistible crust—just keep an eye on it!

How to Serve Chicken Spinach Pasta Bake

Garnishes

A flutter of fresh basil, parsley, or even a dusting of extra parmesan turns this Chicken Spinach Pasta Bake into something extraordinary—herbs add brightness and a touch of color, while a little more cheese never hurt anyone!

Side Dishes

Pair your pasta bake with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette, or serve warm garlic bread to scoop up every last drop of sauce. Roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli are perfect for adding a pop of color and crunch to your table.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, try baking and serving your Chicken Spinach Pasta Bake in individual ramekins—everyone gets their own little bubbling casserole! Or, cut squares and stack them on a platter, topping each with a swirl of herbed ricotta or a bright tomato salad.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer leftovers to a container with a tight-fitting lid and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors deepen as the pasta soaks up the sauce, making second-day servings arguably even tastier!

Freezing

Chicken Spinach Pasta Bake freezes beautifully! Tightly wrap your cooled (unbaked or baked) casserole in foil, then freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

For best results, reheat portions in a 350°F oven, covered, until warmed through—about 15 minutes. A splash of milk added before reheating helps revive creaminess and keeps the pasta tender.

FAQs

Can I use another type of meat in my Chicken Spinach Pasta Bake?

Absolutely! Leftover turkey, sliced sausage, or even cooked shrimp make wonderful variations—just substitute in an equal amount and follow the recipe as written.
Can I assemble this dish in advance?

Yes—just prepare the Chicken Spinach Pasta Bake up to the point of baking, cover tightly, and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Bake straight from the fridge, adding an extra 5–10 minutes as needed.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

You can! Substitute gluten-free pasta and use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the roux. Double-check your other ingredients and enjoy a comforting, gluten-free dinner.
Which cheese is best if I can’t find fontina?

Mozzarella and gouda are both excellent choices—they melt smoothly and add fantastic flavor. Even a blend of cheeses works perfectly for this Chicken Spinach Pasta Bake.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a meal that’s as reliable as it is delicious, give this Chicken Spinach Pasta Bake a spot in your kitchen rotation. It’s warm, hearty, and packed with flavor—just the kind of cozy hug we all need on busy evenings. I hope you love every cheesy, spinach-studded bite!

Susan M. Garcia

Chicken Spinach Pasta Bake Recipe

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Ingredients & Substitutions