Cheesy Chicken and Spinach Bake with Rigatoni
Indulge in the hearty flavors of this Cheesy Chicken and Spinach Bake with Rigatoni, a comforting one-dish meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings. This baked pasta dish features tender rigatoni enveloped in a creamy chive and onion sauce, coupled with nutritious spinach and succulent chunks of seasoned chicken. It’s topped with golden, bubbling mozzarella cheese, making it not just delicious but a feast for the eyes as well. Gather your loved ones, share this delightful recipe, and enjoy a wholesome meal that’s sure to impress!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
rigatoni pasta
8 ounces (uncooked)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (for greasing the baking dish)
onion
1 cup (finely chopped (about 1 medium))
frozen chopped spinach
1 (10 ounce) package (thawed, or use 10 oz. fresh baby spinach leaves, chopped)
cooked chicken breasts
3 cups (cubed (can use rotisserie chicken from the grocery deli))
Italian-style diced tomatoes
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (undrained)
chive & onion cream cheese
1 (8 ounce) container (softened)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
mozzarella cheese
1 1/2 cups (shredded)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Cook the rigatoni pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3
In a large baking dish (11x7 inches), spread olive oil evenly on the bottom, then add the finely chopped onion in a single layer. Roast the onion in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until it becomes tender.
4
While the onion is roasting, drain the thawed spinach thoroughly by pressing it between layers of paper towels to remove excess moisture.
5
Once the onions are done, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Stir in the cooked rigatoni, drained spinach, cubed chicken, undrained diced tomatoes, chive and onion cream cheese, salt, and pepper until well combined.
6
Transfer the mixture back into the baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.
7
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the oven for 30 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
8
Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your cheesy pasta bake!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cheesy Chicken and Spinach Bake with Rigatoni?
It is a comforting one-dish pasta meal featuring rigatoni, creamy chive and onion sauce, nutritious spinach, seasoned chicken, and bubbly mozzarella cheese.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The key ingredients include rigatoni pasta, olive oil, onion, frozen chopped spinach, cooked chicken breasts, Italian-style diced tomatoes, chive and onion cream cheese, salt, pepper, and mozzarella.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before beginning the roasting and baking process.
How much pasta is required for this dish?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of uncooked rigatoni pasta.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this bake?
Yes, using rotisserie chicken from the grocery deli is a great time-saving option for the 3 cups of cubed cooked chicken required.
How should the spinach be prepared?
If using frozen spinach, thaw it and press it thoroughly between layers of paper towels to remove all excess moisture.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can substitute the frozen package with 10 oz. of fresh baby spinach leaves that have been chopped.
Should I drain the diced tomatoes?
No, the Italian-style diced tomatoes should be used undrained to contribute to the sauce consistency.
What kind of cream cheese is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses an 8-ounce container of softened chive and onion cream cheese.
How much mozzarella cheese is needed for the topping?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese to top the casserole.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A large baking dish measuring 11x7 inches is recommended for this recipe.
Why do I need to roast the onion separately first?
Roasting the finely chopped onion in olive oil for 15 minutes ensures it becomes tender and flavorful before being mixed with the other ingredients.
How long should the rigatoni be cooked?
Cook the pasta according to the package directions until it is al dente.
How long does the casserole bake in total?
The dish bakes for a total of 45 minutes: 30 minutes covered with foil and 15 minutes uncovered.
What is the purpose of covering the dish with foil?
Covering with aluminum foil for the first 30 minutes helps heat the internal ingredients thoroughly without burning the cheese.
How do I know when the bake is finished?
The bake is ready when the top is bubbly and the mozzarella cheese has turned golden brown.
Should the casserole be served immediately?
It is best to let the dish cool slightly before serving to allow the sauce to set.
How much olive oil is used?
Use 1 tablespoon of olive oil to grease the bottom of the baking dish and roast the onions.
What seasoning is added to the mixture?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, or to taste.
Is this dish suitable for a family gathering?
Yes, it is specifically described as a heart, easily shareable meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
While rigatoni is specified, you could substitute it with other tube-shaped pastas like penne or ziti.
Is this recipe considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, since the chicken, vegetables, and pasta are all baked together in one dish, it serves as a complete meal.
Do I mix the cream cheese with anything before adding it to the bowl?
No, just ensure the cream cheese is softened so it stirs easily into the pasta, chicken, and vegetable mixture.
How many cups of chicken are needed?
You will need 3 cups of cubed, cooked chicken breasts.
What is the texture of the sauce?
The sauce is creamy and rich, created by the combination of chive and onion cream cheese and the juices from the diced tomatoes.
What kind of tomatoes are best?
Italian-style diced tomatoes are recommended for their added herbal flavor.
How much onion should be used?
Use 1 cup of finely chopped onion, which is approximately one medium-sized onion.
Can this be made ahead of time?
While the recipe doesn't specify, pasta bakes are generally excellent for prepping ahead and baking when ready.
Is the pasta cooked before being put in the oven?
Yes, the rigatoni must be boiled until al dente and drained before being added to the baking mixture.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is a baked pasta dish, specifically a chicken and spinach casserole.