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A spoon scooping out a portion of baked chicken Alfredo pasta from a casserole dish. The pasta is rich and creamy, mixed with spinach and chunks of chicken mac, and sprinkled with black pepper. The dish sits on a table, partially covered with a gray napkin.

Creamy, Cheesy Spinach and Chicken Mac

This Cheesy Spinach and Chicken Mac is less like a traditional mac and cheese and more like a casserole. It's one of my favorite comfort foods to make. It's just as delicious the next day as all the flavors mingle and meld together, or you can make it in advance and keep it in the freezer for days you don't feel like cooking.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 10
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients
 

  • 8 ounces penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 yellow onion (diced)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese (grated)
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce
  • 3 ½ cups shredded chicken
  • 8 ounches fresh spinach (stems removed)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350º. 
  • Boil the pasta in salted water per package directions. Drain and place in a large bowl. Drizzle with a tablespoon of olive oil. 
  • In a large skillet, add butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Cook onions over medium heat until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Warm milk and cream in the microwave and add to the onion mixture. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until it has reduced by half and is slightly thickened, about 20 minutes. 
  • Add salt, pepper, and hot sauce to taste. 
  • Remove from the heat and add cheese, stirring until melted. Add spinach and stir then add chicken and stir until it is combined. Pour over the pasta and stir until combined. Pour into a 2 quart baking dish. 
  • Bake for 45 minutes or until the sauce is bubbling at the edges and the top has started to brown. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. 
Barbara's Notes + Tips
  • You can use any type of short pasta instead of penne.
  • You can easily roast your own chicken, it will take about 30 minutes. 
  • You can use half-and-half instead of cream.

Nutrition

Calories: 520kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 128mg | Sodium: 851mg | Potassium: 335mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1215IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 328mg | Iron: 1mg
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