Delicious Chicken and Spinach Alfredo Casserole Recipe

Is there anything more comforting than a warm, cheesy casserole straight from the oven? This Chicken and Spinach Alfredo Casserole is perfect for pasta lovers and healthy eaters alike. Not only is it creamy and flavorful, but it also packs a nutritious punch with the addition of spinach and lean chicken. Let's get cooking!

Ingredients List

Before we start, gather all the ingredients you'll need:

• Chicken:
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (about 2 large breasts)
• Alfredo Sauce:
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Spinach:
• 5 cups fresh spinach, washed
• Pasta:
• 12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine work well)
• Extras:
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Chicken

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. If you haven't already cooked your chicken, you can poach, bake, or use a rotisserie chicken. Once cooked, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

2. Making the Alfredo Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).
3. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
4. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Cooking the Spinach

1. In a large skillet, wilt the spinach over medium heat. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
2. Once wilted, remove from heat and drain any excess liquid.

4. Assembling the Casserole

1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, wilted spinach, and cooked pasta.
3. Pour the Alfredo sauce over the mixture and stir until everything is well coated.
4. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
5. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
6. If you like a crunchy topping, sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the cheese.

5. Baking and Serving

1. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
2. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
3. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Tips for Success

• Variation: For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of cheese.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
• Add-Ins: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.

Conclusion

There you have it—a delicious and nutritious Chicken and Spinach Alfredo Casserole that's sure to become a family favorite. We encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your results and any tweaks you made. Happy cooking!

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