Chicken Spinach Pasta Bake with Ricotta

Creamy baked rigatoni with sliced chicken, spinach, ricotta and golden melted cheese in a round ivory braiser with a serving spoon.

Chicken Spinach Pasta Bake with Ricotta is a creamy, cheesy comfort meal with tender chicken, spinach, pasta, and a golden mozzarella topping. Moreover, this easy casserole is filling, family-friendly, and convenient for busy weeknights.

Why This Chicken Spinach Pasta Bake with Ricotta Works

This Chicken Spinach Pasta Bake with Ricotta works because ricotta creates a creamy layer without making the dish too heavy. Meanwhile, spinach adds color and freshness, while seasoned chicken provides satisfying protein. As a result, the pasta bake is hearty, flavorful, and easy to prepare ahead.

Ingredients

12 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
15 ounces ricotta cheese
1 large egg
2 cups marinara sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional

How to Make Chicken Spinach Pasta Bake with Ricotta

Cook the pasta: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Boil the pasta in salted water until just shy of al dente. Drain, then set aside.
Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 3–4 minutes. Next, stir in the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 30 seconds.
Wilt the spinach: Add the spinach to the skillet and cook until just wilted. Remove the skillet from the heat.
Prepare the ricotta mixture: In a large bowl, stir together the ricotta, egg, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Combine the filling: Add the cooked chicken, spinach mixture, pasta, and 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce to the ricotta mixture. Stir gently until evenly combined.
Assemble the bake: Spread the remaining marinara sauce in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Add the pasta mixture, then top with mozzarella.
Bake and rest: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for 10–15 more minutes until bubbling and golden. Rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Pro Tips for Chicken Spinach Pasta Bake with Ricotta

Cook the pasta slightly under al dente because it continues cooking in the oven.
Use leftover or rotisserie chicken to make preparation faster.
Squeeze excess moisture from cooked spinach if using frozen spinach.
Let the casserole rest before slicing so the layers set.
For extra flavor, add sautéed mushrooms or chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best texture and flavor.

Storage Instructions

Cool the pasta bake, then cover it tightly or transfer portions to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave, or warm the covered baking dish at 325°F until hot. Add a spoonful of marinara sauce if the pasta seems dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes. Thaw it completely and squeeze out as much liquid as possible before adding it to the skillet. Otherwise, excess moisture may make the casserole watery.

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes. Cottage cheese is a good substitute, although the texture will be slightly lighter. For a smoother filling, blend it briefly before mixing.

Can I assemble this pasta bake ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble it up to 24 hours ahead, cover it, and refrigerate. Add 10–15 minutes to the covered baking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.

Can I freeze Chicken Spinach Pasta Bake?

Yes. Freeze the fully cooled bake in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat covered until hot.

What pasta shapes work best?

Penne, rigatoni, ziti, and rotini all work well. Choose a sturdy shape that holds the sauce and filling.

For another cozy chicken pasta recipe, try my Creamy Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta.