One‑Pan Chicken & Spinach Pasta Bake | Chicken Pasta Bake with Spinach

Chicken and spinach pasta bake
Chicken and Spinach pasta
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A chicken and spinach pasta bake is the kind of creamy, comforting dinner that always hits the spot. Tender chicken, fresh spinach and perfectly cooked pasta are wrapped in a rich, cheesy sauce, then baked until golden and bubbling — simple, satisfying and ideal for any night of the week. It’s a great midweek comfort dinner that the whole family will love.

Quick to assemble and packed with flavour, this chicken and spinach pasta bake is a real family favourite, with juicy chicken, plenty of spinach and a creamy, cheesy sauce that disappears fast and always gets requested again.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken & Spinach Pasta Bake

  • Crispy Potato Wedges A comfort‑forward option that pairs well with the creamy sauce
  • Simple Green Salad Crisp leaves with a light lemon‑olive oil dressing to cut through the creamy sauce
  • Garlic Bread or Warm Crusty Bread Perfect for scooping up the cheesy, bubbly bake
  • Roasted Tenderstem Broccoli Light, fresh greens that balance the richness
  • Honey‑Roasted Carrots Sweet, caramelised carrots that complement the savoury chicken
  • Peas or Minted Peas Bright, sweet peas that add colour and freshness
  • Roasted Cherry Tomatoes Juicy, blistered tomatoes that add acidity and lift
  • Sautéed Spinach with Garlic Soft, savoury greens that echo the spinach in the bake
  • Green Beans with Lemon & Black Pepper Clean, simple veg that brighten the plate
  • Cucumber & Herb Salad Cool, refreshing contrast to the warm, creamy pasta
  • Warm Buttered Ciabatta Soft, airy bread ideal for mopping up the sauce
  • Parmesan‑Roasted Courgettes Light, cheesy veg that mirror the bake’s flavours

Variations: Chicken & Spinach Pasta Bake

  • Chicken, Spinach & Bacon Pasta Bake — add crispy bacon for smoky savoury depth.
  • Chicken, Spinach & Mushroom Pasta Bake — stir in sautéed mushrooms for earthy richness.
  • Chicken, Spinach & Tomato Pasta Bake — add cherry tomatoes for juiciness and a fresh contrast.
  • Chicken, Spinach & Broccoli Pasta Bake — include small broccoli florets for colour and extra veg.
  • Chicken, Spinach & Sweetcorn Pasta Bake — add sweetcorn for pops of sweetness and colour.
  • Chicken, Spinach & Pea Pasta Bake — stir in peas for gentle sweetness that lifts the creamy sauce.
  • Chicken, Spinach & Pesto Pasta Bake — swirl in basil pesto for a fragrant, Italian‑style twist.
  • Chicken, Spinach & Ricotta Pasta Bake — add spoonfuls of ricotta for a lighter, creamy finish.
  • Chicken, Spinach & Chilli Pasta Bake — add chilli flakes for gentle heat that cuts through the richness.
  • Chicken, Spinach & Garlic Pasta Bake — increase garlic for aromatic warmth and deeper flavour.
  • Chicken, Spinach & Herb Pasta Bake — finish with basil or parsley for freshness and colour.
  • Chicken, Spinach & Mozzarella Pasta Bake — swap cheddar for mozzarella for a melty, stretchy top.
  • Chicken, Spinach & Courgette Pasta Bake — add sliced courgette for a soft, summery twist.
  • Chicken, Spinach & Creamy Alfredo Bake — add extra cream or cream cheese for a richer, indulgent sauce.
  • Chicken, Spinach & Sun‑Dried Tomato Pasta Bake — stir in chopped sun‑dried tomatoes for tangy intensity
Chicken and spinach pasta bake

Chicken and spinach pasta bake

Golden chicken and spinach pasta bake with tender chicken, wilted spinach and pasta coated in rich tomato sauce, topped with melted cheese and baked until bubbling.
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Course Dinner
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Large saucepan

Ingredients
  

  • 200g Rigatoni pasta Or you can use any dried pasta
  • 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite sized chunks
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • ½ tsp garlic paste
  • 3 tbsp basil leaves
  • 400 g carton passata
  • 110 g baby spinach
  • pinch of salt and pepper
  • 300 g mixture of mozzarella and grated cheddar cheese
  • Grated parmesan cheese, sprinkled on top

Instructions
 

  • Cook the rigatoni in a large pan of boiling salted water 8-10 mins or until tender. Drain well and set aside.
  • Heat the oil in a large saucepan and cook the chicken, onion, garlic and basil over a medium heat until the chicken is cooked.
  • In the meantime, preheat the grill to medium.
  • Add the tomato passata and spinach and stir well.
  • Add the pasta to the pan, stirring well to coat in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Spoon into a baking dish, sprinkle with the cheese and bake under the grill (or in preheated oven on 180c) until golden and bubbling. Serve with warm French bread.