Name: Easy Chicken, Spinach and Tomato Pasta Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 907 grams cooked chicken, cubed (2 lbs); 355 ml Crystal Farms® Whole Milk Mozzarella Cheese (1 1/2 cups), divided; 45 grams Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup); 454 grams bow tie pasta (1 pkg); 90 grams fresh spinach (3 cups); 2 cans diced tomatoes, drained; 1 tablespoon dried basil; 225 grams marinara sauce (1 cup); Cooking spray (for greasing baking dish)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 34 reviews

If you have been longing for a comforting, wholesome meal that comes together with very little fuss, then this Easy Chicken, Spinach and Tomato Pasta Bake Recipe is about to become your new kitchen hero. Combining tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and luscious tomatoes with gooey melted cheese over perfectly cooked bow tie pasta, this dish hits all the right notes for a crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or want a simple dinner that packs big flavor, this pasta bake is colorful, nutritious, and absolutely mouthwatering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a close-up of a white dish filled with a baked pasta dish that has several layers. The bottom layer is pasta mixed with red tomato sauce and chunks of cooked chicken, topped with fresh green spinach leaves scattered evenly. Above this is a thick layer of melted cheese, browned lightly on the edges, giving it a bubbly texture. A woman's hand holding a spoon is lifting a portion, showing the gooey cheese stretch and some pasta underneath. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

You don’t need a dozen obscure items to make this dish sing — the beauty lies in how straightforward ingredients each add a special layer of flavor, texture, and freshness. From the creamy cheeses to the bright tomatoes and hearty chicken, every component plays its part effortlessly.

907 grams chicken, cooked and cubed (2 lbs): The star protein that delivers tender, juicy bites in every mouthful.

1 tablespoon dried basil: Adds a fragrant, herbal warmth that lifts the whole dish.
454 grams bow tie pasta (1 package): Perfectly shaped to hold onto sauce and cheese, giving a satisfying texture.
90 grams fresh spinach (3 cups): Offers a fresh, slightly earthy flavor and a nutritional boost with vibrant green color.

225 grams marinara sauce (1 cup): Rich and tomatoey, tying all the flavors together with just the right tang.
2 cans diced tomatoes, drained: Juicy, chunky tomatoes that add brightness and balance.
355 ml Crystal Farms® Whole Milk Mozzarella Cheese (1½ cups): Melts into a gooey, creamy layer that makes the bake irresistibly cheesy.

45 grams Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Adds a nutty, salty depth that complements the mozzarella perfectly.

How to Make Easy Chicken, Spinach and Tomato Pasta Bake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare for Baking and Cooking Pasta

To get started, coat your 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray. This non-stick layer will ensure your pasta bake slides out of the pan beautifully after baking. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s ready when your assembled dish is waiting.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil 4 cups of water in a large pot and add the bow tie pasta. Cook until al dente, which typically means the pasta is tender but still has a slight bite. Drain when ready, but you’ll save a bit of that pasta water for later flavor and texture.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken Mixture

While the pasta cooks, bring 3 cups of water to a boil in another pot. Add the chicken to poach it until cooked through. Once done, cube the chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the pan. Stir in the dried basil, drained diced tomatoes, and marinara sauce, allowing the mixture to simmer gently for about 5 minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 4: Add Pasta and Spinach

Combine the cooked pasta with the chicken mixture in the pan, stirring well so every bow tie is coated with that inviting tomato sauce. Next, quickly blanch the fresh spinach in the remaining pasta water for just one minute — this softens the leaves without losing their vibrant green color. Drain and fold the spinach into the chicken and pasta blend.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Stir in 1 cup of the whole milk mozzarella cheese and the Parmesan cheese to incorporate delicious creaminess throughout the dish. Spoon this hearty mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly across the top to create that golden, bubbly crust we all dream of. Bake for 10 minutes, until the cheese topping is melted and slightly browned.

How to Serve Easy Chicken, Spinach and Tomato Pasta Bake Recipe

A white casserole dish with a blue floral pattern holds a baked pasta dish. The top layer is melted light golden cheese spread evenly with scattered green spinach leaves. Underneath, the pasta is orange with small red tomato bits mixed throughout. The dish is sitting on a white marbled surface with a white cloth and two spoons with blue and white handles next to it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an added pop of freshness and flavor, try sprinkling chopped fresh basil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes over individual servings. A light drizzle of good-quality olive oil can also enhance the richness and add a silky finish.

Side Dishes

This pasta bake is a satisfying all-in-one meal but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or some garlic bread to sop up every last bit of cheesy tomato sauce. Roasted veggies like zucchini or bell peppers also complement the dish’s flavor profile.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual portions in small ramekins for a charming presentation that looks incredibly inviting at the table. Alternatively, you can top each serving with a few cherry tomatoes sliced in half for extra color or a sprig of fresh herb like parsley or oregano to elevate the plate visually.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Easy Chicken, Spinach and Tomato Pasta Bake Recipe keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store leftovers in airtight containers to preserve freshness and prevent the cheese from drying out.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this comforting pasta bake later, it freezes very well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to two months. Just be sure to let it cool fully before freezing to avoid condensation.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the pasta bake with foil and warm it in a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven until heated through, usually about 20-25 minutes. Alternatively, microwave individual portions on medium power, stirring halfway through for even heating and to keep that cheesy goodness intact.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While bow tie pasta works perfectly here, feel free to use penne, rigatoni, or even macaroni — just adjust cooking times slightly if needed.

What if I don’t have fresh spinach?

Frozen spinach is a fine substitute; just thaw and squeeze out excess water before stirring it into the mixture. It might be less vibrant but will still add that lovely spinach flavor.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the chicken and consider adding mushrooms or extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for a hearty meatless pasta bake.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! This pasta bake holds up beautifully when prepared ahead, making it excellent for busy weeknight dinners or leftover lunches throughout the week.

Can I use shredded cooked chicken instead of cubed?

Using shredded chicken works just as well and can even help the flavors meld better throughout the dish, so go with whichever you prefer.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about sinking your fork into a warm, cheesy pasta bake filled with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and sunny tomatoes, and this Easy Chicken, Spinach and Tomato Pasta Bake Recipe delivers just that. It combines simple ingredients into a vibrant and comforting meal that’s as perfect for busy weeknights as it is for sharing with loved ones. Give it a try, and you might just find your new favorite go-to dinner!