spicysouthernkitchen.com
Chicken Spinach Rigatoni
Chicken Spinach Rigatoni is an ultra creamy and rich pasta casserole with tons of gooey cheese. So good‚ the kids won’t mind the spinach!
Super Creamy Pasta Casserole
A container of chive and onion cream cheese plus some heavy cream creates a super creamy base for this casserole. It’s a rich and indulgent recipe so a little goes a long way and you will probably want to serve it with something light like a salad.
How To Make Chicken Spinach Rigatoni
More detailed directions in recipe card below.
Cook the pasta.
Make the sauce. Cook some onion in butter until soft. Add the cream cheese and heavy cream and cook until cream cheese is melted. Stir in salt‚ pepper‚ crushed red pepper flakes‚ diced tomatoes‚ chicken‚ and spinach.
Assemble. Mix in the pasta and half of each cheese. Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
Bake. Bake for 20 minutes or until hot throughout.
Recipe Tips
Be sure to add salt to the pasta water. This is the number one way to ensure your casserole does not turn out bland.
Only cook the pasta to al dente. It will cook a little more in the oven and you don’t want it to get mushy in texture.
You can use rotisserie chicken or any leftover chicken for this recipe.
Variations and Substitutions
Use another pasta shape. Penne‚ ziti‚ and cavatappi work well.
Add a few minced garlic cloves or some garlic powder.
Add a few sun-dried tomatoes.
Add chopped fresh basil.
Make it spicier. Double the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
Have leftover turkey? Use it in place of chicken.
How To Serve
Goes great with a garden salad with Creamy Italian Dressing or Creamy Balsamic Dressing or a Marinated Cucumber‚ Tomato‚ and Onion Salad and some Garlic Bread.
How To Store
Store leftovers in an airtight container for 4 days and reheat in the microwave.
More Pasta Casseroles
Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo
Beef Florentine Casserole
Chicken‚ Broccoli‚ and Ziti Casserole
Johnny Marzetti Casserole
Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage
Print
Chicken Spinach Rigatoni
Chicken Spinach Rigatoni is an ultra creamy and rich pasta casserole with tons of gooey cheese. So good‚ the kids won't mind the spinach!
Course Dinner‚ Main DishCuisine AmericanKeyword Casserole‚ chicken‚ pasta
Prep Time 20 minutes minutesCook Time 20 minutes minutesTotal Time 40 minutes minutes
Servings 6
Calories 632kcal
Equipment9×13-inch baking dishPasta Pot
Ingredients8 ounces Rigatoni2 tablespoons butter1 cup diced onion1 (7.5-ounce) container chive onion cream cheese¾ cup heavy cream½ teaspoon salt½ teaspoon pepper¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes‚ drained10 ounces frozen chopped spinach‚ thawed and squeezed dry3 cups diced cooked chicken2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese½ cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
InstructionsPreheat oven to 350 degrees and spray a 9×13-inch or slightly smaller baking dish with cooking spray.Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain.While pasta cooks‚ melt butter in a large skillet. Add onion and cook until soft.Add cream cheese and heavy cream and cook and stir until cream cheese is melted.Stir in salt‚ pepper‚ crushed red pepper flakes‚ diced tomatoes‚ spinach and chicken.Remove from heat and mix in the pasta and half the mozzarella and half the Parmesan.Transfer to prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top.Bake for 20 minutes.
NotesNutritional info is provided as an estimate only and will vary based on brands of products used. Not to be used for specific dietary needs.
NutritionCalories: 632kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 21g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 150mg | Sodium: 1001mg | Potassium: 770mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 6884IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 427mg | Iron: 3mgWant to Save This Recipe?Save This RecipeThe post Chicken Spinach Rigatoni appeared first on Spicy Southern Kitchen.