Cheesy Chicken and Spinach Rigatoni Bake
This Cheesy Chicken and Spinach Rigatoni Bake is a comforting, hearty dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and al dente rigatoni pasta, all enveloped in a rich and flavorful tomato sauce. With layers of melted cheese and the subtle warmth of garlic, this casserole is a guaranteed family favorite that's perfect for busy weeknights. A beloved recipe from my friend Kathy, I can't get enough of this dish – it's quick to prepare and even quicker to disappear from the dinner table! Ideal for meal prep, this casserole is as delightful reheated as it is fresh out of the oven.
8
Servings
412
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
rigatoni pasta
10 ounces (uncooked)
frozen chopped spinach
1 (10 ounce) package (thawed and drained)
vegetable oil
2 teaspoons (for sautéing)
large onion
1 (chopped)
garlic cloves
2-4 (minced (to taste))
boneless skinless chicken breast
1 pound (chopped)
whole tomatoes
1 (20 ounce) can (undrained and coarsely chopped)
tomato paste
3 tablespoons
dried basil
1 1/4 teaspoons
oregano
3/4 teaspoon
hot red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon (crushed)
parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly coat a 13x9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2
In a large pot, cook the rigatoni pasta according to package directions until al dente; drain and set aside.
3
While the pasta cooks, lay the thawed spinach on paper towels and press to remove excess moisture.
4
In a large non-stick skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until tender and fragrant.
5
Add the chopped chicken breast to the skillet. Cook, stirring constantly, until the chicken is no longer pink, approximately 5-7 minutes.
6
Stir in the undrained coarsely chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, squeezed spinach, and the chicken-tomato mixture. Stir in 1/4 cup of the grated parmesan cheese until evenly incorporated.
8
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese over the top.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10
Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
10
Fat
56
Carbs
26
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Chicken and Spinach Rigatoni Bake?
This dish is a comforting, hearty casserole that combines tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and rigatoni pasta in a rich tomato sauce with melted cheese.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 412 calories.
What type of pasta is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 10 ounces of uncooked rigatoni pasta.
How do I prepare the spinach?
You should use one 10-ounce package of frozen chopped spinach, thawed and pressed with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the casserole need to bake?
Bake the casserole for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 26 grams of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 56 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 10 grams of fat.
What size baking dish should I use?
A lightly coated 13x9-inch baking dish is recommended.
How should the chicken be prepared?
Use 1 pound of boneless skinless chicken breast, chopped into pieces.
What seasonings are used in the sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with 1 1/4 teaspoons of dried basil, 3/4 teaspoon of oregano, and 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes.
How much garlic is suggested?
The recipe suggests 2 to 4 minced garlic cloves, depending on your taste preference.
Do I need to drain the tomatoes?
No, use one 20-ounce can of whole tomatoes, undrained and coarsely chopped.
How much parmesan cheese is needed in total?
You will need 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese in total.
How is the parmesan cheese divided during cooking?
Stir 1/4 cup into the pasta mixture and sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup over the top before baking.
How long should I sauté the onion and garlic?
Sauté them in vegetable oil for 3-4 minutes until tender and fragrant.
How long does it take to cook the chicken in the skillet?
Cook the chicken for approximately 5-7 minutes until it is no longer pink.
How long should the sauce simmer?
The sauce should simmer uncovered for 5 minutes after reaching a boil.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this casserole is ideal for meal prep as it is delightful when reheated.
What type of oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil.
Is this dish considered kid-friendly?
Yes, it is tagged as a kid-friendly recipe.
Can I use tomato paste in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of tomato paste to thicken the sauce.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 12 main ingredients in this recipe.
Should the pasta be fully cooked before baking?
The pasta should be cooked according to package directions until it is al dente.
Are there any specific tags for this recipe?
Tags include casserole, one dish meal, chicken, spinach, pasta, and easy recipe.
Who provided this recipe?
This recipe is a beloved dish from a friend named Kathy.
Does the recipe include fiber or sugar information?
No, fiber and sugar nutritional data are not specified for this recipe.
How should I finish the dish after baking?
Allow the bake to cool for a few minutes before serving.