We’re always on the lookout for creative casserole recipes, and this spinach artichoke chicken casserole definitely fits the bill. Inspired by the popular restaurant appetizer, this tried-and-true 13×9 casserole<\/a> recipe captures all the flavors we love from cheesy spinach artichoke dip. It’s also packed with chicken, pasta, mushrooms and plenty of cheese in a lightened-up sauce made with milk and eggs rather than heavy cream.<\/p>\n
Since the recipe calls for cooked chicken, it comes together quickly to create an easy weeknight meal. It will appeal to artichoke fans and anyone who loves pasta recipes<\/a>. After making this surprisingly simple recipe once, it might just end up in your regular rotation.<\/p>\n
Preheat the oven to 350\u00b0F. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.<\/p>\n
In a large skillet, heat the butter over medium-high heat. Saute the mushrooms and onion until tender, then remove from the heat.<\/p>\n
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper and crushed red pepper flakes.<\/p>\n
Stir in the chicken, artichoke hearts, spinach, Monterey Jack, Parmesan cheese and the mushroom mixture.<\/p>\n
Stir in the pasta. Transfer to a greased 13×9-inch baking dish.<\/p>\n
Bake the casserole, covered, for 40 minutes.<\/p>\n
Editor’s Tip:<\/em> Covering the casserole for this first phase prevents it from drying out.<\/p>\n
Mix the bread crumbs, Parmesan, melted butter and paprika. Uncover the baking dish, and sprinkle the topping over the casserole. Bake, uncovered, until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown, 5 to 10 minutes.<\/p>\n
Store leftover casserole in the refrigerator. Cover the baking dish with wrap or foil, or transfer the casserole to an airtight container.<\/p>\n
Spinach artichoke chicken casserole will last for three to four days in the fridge or up to two months in the freezer.<\/p>\n
Like most casseroles, spinach and artichoke chicken casserole freezes well. To freeze a casserole the right way<\/a>, allow it to cool completely. Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil, or transfer individual portions to freezer-safe storage containers. Defrost it in the fridge overnight before reheating.<\/p>\n
For best results, reheat the casserole in a covered pan in a 350\u00b0 oven. Once warmed through, remove the cover to crisp up the bread crumb topping. You can also microwave individual portions, but the topping won’t turn out as crisp.<\/p>\n
Spinach artichoke chicken casserole is a fantastic make-ahead casserole<\/a>. Cook the pasta and mushroom mixture as directed. Assemble the casserole ingredients in the baking dish, but don’t bake it. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to eat, remove the dish from the fridge 30 minutes prior to baking, and bake as directed.<\/p>\n
The best way to prevent spinach artichoke chicken casserole from drying out is to cook the pasta ahead of time. This prevents it from soaking up all the moisture from the eggs and milk, ensuring the casserole stays creamy and rich. Covering the casserole for the initial baking time is also important so the sauce doesn’t evaporate.<\/p>\n
To keep the pasta from getting soggy, cook it to al dente. The noodles should still have a little bite at the center. If they are completely tender, they will become overdone and soggy as they bake in the oven.<\/p>\n
This casserole is a satisfying one-dish meal that includes protein, starch and vegetables, so you don’t need to serve it with any side dishes. That said, it pairs well with green salads<\/a>, garlic bread<\/a> or most vegetable side dishes<\/a>, such as roasted asparagus. If you’re serving the meal for a special occasion, finish the meal with a fun dessert, like brownie sundaes<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"