Chicken Spinach Alfredo Bake: A Creamy, Cheesy, Crowd-Pleasing Casserole

If you’re craving a warm, comforting dish packed with creamy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, spinach, and gooey cheese, look no further than the Chicken Spinach Alfredo Bake. This delicious casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, family gatherings, or make-ahead meals. It’s everything you love about a pasta Alfredo—baked to golden, bubbly perfection.

In this article, you’ll learn how to make the ultimate Chicken Spinach Alfredo Bake from scratch, along with tips, customizations, storage solutions, and more.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• 🧀 Ultra creamy and cheesy – Alfredo sauce + mozzarella + Parmesan = pure comfort.
• 🍗 Protein-packed – With chicken and spinach, it’s both hearty and wholesome.
• ⏱️ Perfect for meal prep – Make it ahead and reheat later.
• 🍽️ Crowd-friendly – Feeds a big group and makes great leftovers.
• 🧄 Endlessly customizable – Add mushrooms, bacon, or even sun-dried tomatoes.

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What Is Chicken Spinach Alfredo Bake?

Chicken Spinach Alfredo Bake is a baked pasta casserole that layers cooked chicken, pasta (typically penne or fettuccine), fresh or frozen spinach, and rich Alfredo sauce, all topped with cheese and baked until bubbly. It’s the best of both worlds: the decadence of a creamy pasta Alfredo and the heartiness of a baked casserole.

This dish is especially popular for its cozy, satisfying flavor and its ability to feed a crowd with little fuss.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of ingredients for a classic Chicken Spinach Alfredo Bake:

For the Alfredo Sauce (homemade option):

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ cups heavy cream
• 1½ cups Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional, but traditional)

Shortcut? You can use 1 jar (15–16 oz) of your favorite store-bought Alfredo sauce if you’re short on time.

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For the Bake:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie chicken works great!)
• 10 oz fresh spinach (or 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
• 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine)
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Optional: red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, cooked bacon or mushrooms

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How to Make Chicken Spinach Alfredo Bake

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil your pasta in salted water until al dente (firm to the bite). Drain and set aside.

🔔 Don’t overcook! It will continue to cook in the oven.

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Step 2: Sauté the Spinach

• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet.
• Add the spinach and cook until wilted (if using fresh), or warm through if using thawed frozen spinach.
• Remove excess moisture with a paper towel.

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Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce

(If using homemade)

1. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).
3. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.

Tip: For a richer flavor, stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese or a splash of white wine.

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Step 4: Combine and Assemble

1. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, sautéed spinach, cooked chicken, and Alfredo sauce.
2. Mix until everything is well coated.
3. Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Sprinkle mozzarella and additional Parmesan cheese on top.

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Step 5: Bake

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and golden on top.
• Broil for the last 2–3 minutes for an extra golden crust (optional).
• Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.

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Customization Ideas

Want to put your own twist on it? Try these delicious variations:

🍄 Add Mushrooms

Sauté sliced mushrooms with garlic and olive oil, then mix into the casserole.

🥓 Bacon Boost

Crispy chopped bacon adds a salty, smoky touch. Sprinkle it on top before baking.

🍅 Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Chopped sun-dried tomatoes add sweet-tart flavor and a pop of color.

🌶️ Spice It Up

Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for a little heat.

🧄 Roasted Garlic Upgrade

Use roasted garlic in the sauce for a deeper, caramelized flavor.

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What to Serve with Chicken Spinach Alfredo Bake

This casserole is rich and satisfying on its own, but here are some great pairings:

• Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
• Caesar salad or simple green salad with vinaigrette
• Roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini
• White wine – try a glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio

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Make-Ahead, Storage & Freezing Tips

🕓 Make-Ahead:

• Assemble the casserole up to 1 day in advance.
• Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
• Add 5–10 extra minutes to baking time if coming straight from the fridge.

🧊 Storage:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot.

❄️ Freezer-Friendly:

• Assemble the dish, but don’t bake.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use jarred Alfredo sauce?

Yes! For convenience, you can use a store-bought Alfredo sauce. Choose a high-quality brand with minimal additives for best flavor.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely. The creamy sauce and mild flavors make it a hit with kids. If your children are picky eaters, you can finely chop the spinach or substitute it with peas or broccoli.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes! Just use gluten-free pasta and check that your Alfredo sauce is also gluten-free.

Can I use canned chicken?

You can in a pinch, but fresh or rotisserie chicken will have a better texture and flavor.

How do I make it lighter?

Use light cream or milk (though it will be less creamy), reduced-fat cheese, and increase the spinach for a healthier version.

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Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Comfort Food Bake

Chicken Spinach Alfredo Bake is the kind of recipe you’ll return to again and again. It’s simple to make, loaded with cheesy comfort, and perfect for feeding a hungry family or crowd. Whether you go the classic route or add your own twist, this dish brings warmth and satisfaction to the table every single time.

So preheat that oven, grab your casserole dish, and get ready to serve up some creamy goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

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