Description
Cozy and comforting, this Spinach, Artichoke Chicken Casserole is easy to whip up and a great make ahead option. Cheesy and veggie packed–a full meal in one dish. If you love spinach and artichoke dip, this will be a hit for dinner!
Ingredients
- 1 lb. short pasta (rigatoni, ziti or penne), uncooked
- 2 c cubed chicken, already cooked
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 c sour cream (full fat, or Greek yogurt)
- 3/4 c heavy cream
- 1/2 c whole milk
- 1/2 onion, small diced
- 1½ c shredded mozzarella, divided
- 1/2 c parmesan, grated
- 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and drained of water
- 1 can artichokes, chopped (14 oz.)
- 3-4 garlic cloves
- 1/2 tsp red pepper
- 1/2 tsp sea salt (more or less as desired)
- ½ tsp pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Cook pasta according to package instructions until almost al dente (about 1 minute less than directed).
2. While pasta is cooking, combine the sour cream and softened cream cheese in a medium mixing bowl and beat until smooth and creamy. Add in the heavy cream and mix. Finally, mix in the milk.
3. Add in chicken, spinach, artichokes, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, parmesan, onion, garlic, and seasonings. Stir to combine.
4. When the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it to an oil-sprayed 9×13 inch pan.
5. Pour the spinach and artichoke mixture over the pasta and stir to combine and coat the pasta fully.
6. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese and bake about 25 minutes, checking at 20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and mixture is bubbling. Broil the last 2 minutes if desired for browned crispy cheese.
7. Cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving.
8. Refrigerate leftovers.
Notes
Make sure to cook the pasta al dente or just under. This keeps it from getting mushy when baked.
This casserole is even better the next day if the pasta is slightly undercooked.
Use full fat dairy to avoid curdling. Evaporated milk can be used instead of whole milk for extra creaminess.
Make it gluten free by using your favorite gluten free pasta.
Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded, so shred your own for best results.