Cheesy Spinach and Artichoke Bake
This Cheesy Spinach and Artichoke Bake is a delightful combination of creamy goodness and nutritious vegetables, making it a perfect comfort food option. Initially inspired by a friend, this adaptable dish allows you to incorporate your favorite ingredients and customize it to fit your dietary needs. With a hearty base of rotini pasta (or any pasta you prefer), fresh baby spinach, tender artichoke hearts, and tender pre-cooked chicken, every bite offers a melty, cheesy experience. Baked to perfection, this casserole brings together Monterey Jack and Parmesan cheeses for a flavor-packed, one-dish meal that the whole family will enjoy!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Rotini pasta
6 ounces (uncooked)
Egg
1
Milk
1/4 cup
Sour cream
1/2 cup
Fresh baby spinach
6 ounces (chopped)
Artichoke hearts
14 ounces (drained and chopped)
Grilled chicken
8 ounces (sliced or shredded)
Monterey Jack cheese
8 ounces (shredded)
Parmesan cheese
4 tablespoons
Dried onion flakes
1 teaspoon
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Paprika
to taste
Instructions
1
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
2
2. Cook the rotini in the boiling water for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
3
3. In a 2-quart casserole dish, whisk together the egg, milk, and sour cream until well combined.
4
4. Stir in the chopped spinach, drained artichoke hearts, grilled chicken, cooked rotini, Monterey Jack cheese, and 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese. Mix until evenly combined.
5
5. Season the mixture with dried onion flakes, salt, pepper, and paprika to taste. Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well coated.
6
6. Sprinkle the top with the remaining 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese and a dash of paprika for added flavor.
7
7. Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
8
8. After 15 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden.
9
9. Allow the casserole to stand for 2 minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious cheesy dish!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main focus of the Cheesy Spinach and Artichoke Bake?
It is a creamy casserole featuring rotini pasta, fresh baby spinach, artichoke hearts, and grilled chicken mixed with Monterey Jack and Parmesan cheeses.
What is the required oven temperature for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long should the rotini pasta be cooked?
Cook the rotini in boiling salted water for 8 to 10 minutes, or until it is al dente.
What liquids are used to create the creamy base?
The base is made by whisking together one egg, 1/4 cup of milk, and 1/2 cup of sour cream until well combined.
What kind of spinach is recommended for this bake?
The recipe calls for 6 ounces of fresh baby spinach, which should be chopped.
How much artichoke hearts are needed?
You will need 14 ounces of artichoke hearts that have been drained and chopped.
Should the chicken be raw or cooked before adding to the casserole?
The chicken should be pre-cooked; specifically, use 8 ounces of grilled chicken that is sliced or shredded.
What size casserole dish is required for this recipe?
A 2-quart casserole dish is recommended.
How much Monterey Jack cheese is used in the mixture?
The recipe requires 8 ounces of shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
How is the Parmesan cheese divided during preparation?
Use 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese inside the main mixture and save the remaining 2 tablespoons to sprinkle on top.
What seasonings are added to the mixture?
The mixture is seasoned with 1 teaspoon of dried onion flakes, plus salt, pepper, and paprika to taste.
How long does the casserole bake while covered with foil?
The casserole should be baked while covered with foil for the first 15 minutes.
How long does the casserole bake after the foil is removed?
Bake it for an additional 15 minutes uncovered until the top is bubbly and golden.
What is the total recommended baking time?
The total baking time is 30 minutes.
How long should the dish stand before serving?
Allow the casserole to stand for 2 minutes before serving to ensure the best texture.
Can I use a different type of pasta than rotini?
Yes, while rotini is suggested, the recipe allows for any pasta you prefer.
Is this recipe customizable for dietary needs?
Yes, the dish is adaptable, allowing you to incorporate favorite ingredients and customize it to fit your dietary needs.
What provides the golden color on the top of the bake?
The combination of the remaining Parmesan cheese and a dash of paprika creates a golden, flavorful top.
How much milk is needed for the liquid mixture?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of milk.
How much sour cream is used in this dish?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of sour cream.
What is the specific preparation for the artichoke hearts?
They should be drained and chopped before being stirred into the casserole mixture.
Is this dish considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is described as a flavor-packed, one-dish meal that the whole family will enjoy.
How much uncooked pasta is used?
The recipe calls for 6 ounces of uncooked rotini pasta.
What type of onion component is used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of dried onion flakes for seasoning.
How many eggs are required for the binding mixture?
The recipe requires one egg.
What kind of cheese provides the primary melty experience?
Monterey Jack cheese is used to provide a melty, cheesy experience throughout the dish.
What is the texture of the finished casserole?
The dish is described as a creamy, cheesy, and hearty comfort food.
Is there a specific way to ensure the ingredients are well seasoned?
Yes, you should mix the ingredients thoroughly to ensure everything is well coated with the seasonings.
Who originally inspired this recipe?
The dish was initially inspired by a friend of the recipe creator.
What makes this dish a good comfort food option?
Its combination of creamy texture, nutritious vegetables like spinach, and melty cheese makes it a delightful comfort food.