If you are looking for a flavorful, comforting dinner that feels like a warm hug but comes together with ease, this Easy Caramelized Onion Spinach Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe is the perfect choice. Bursting with tender chicken, sweetly caramelized onions, vibrant spinach, and a creamy parmesan cheese sauce all baked to golden perfection, this dish is pure comfort food magic. It’s a one-pan dish that offers a gorgeous blend of textures and colors while making weeknight cooking a breeze.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started on this recipe is a joy because the ingredients are simple yet essential, each one adding a unique touch to the overall flavor, texture, and appeal of the pasta bake. From the creamy parmesan sauce to the fresh spinach and perfectly cooked chicken, every component shines.
- 10 ounces dry pasta shells: The shape holds sauce beautifully, but rotini or fusilli are great substitutes, including gluten-free options.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For cooking the chicken, brings savory richness and a subtle fruity note.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, diced: Adds lean protein and soaks up all the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a gentle garlic flavor that infuses both chicken and sauce.
- Freshly ground salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to bring everything together.
- ½ tablespoon olive oil or butter: For caramelizing onions, lends buttery depth.
- 2 large yellow onions, sliced: The star of caramelization, turning sweet and golden.
- 10-12 ounces fresh spinach: Adds vibrant green color, nutrition, and a mild earthy flavor.
- 3 tablespoons salted butter: Creates a luscious base for the cheese sauce.
- ¼ cup all purpose flour: Thickens the cheese sauce to creamy perfection.
- 2 cups milk: Whole or 2% milk provide rich creaminess; almond milk works for a lighter or dairy-free twist.
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese: Brings savory umami and richness to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances flavors perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Layered garlic flavor enhances the sauce.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a peppery kick throughout the dish.
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs: Gives a crunchy, golden topping; gluten-free options available.
- 1 tablespoon salted butter: Melted and mixed into the breadcrumbs for that irresistible crispiness.
How to Make Easy Caramelized Onion Spinach Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Cook Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees and greasing a 2-quart baking dish or an 11×7 inch pan with nonstick spray, olive oil, or butter to prevent sticking. Then, boil your pasta until al dente following the package directions—this will ensure a perfect bite that holds up in the bake.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Add half a tablespoon of olive oil to a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss in your diced chicken breast and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken pieces are no longer pink. Once done, transfer the chicken to a large bowl to rest while you work on the next delicious layer.
Step 3: Caramelize Onions and Wilt Spinach
In the same pot, add the remaining half tablespoon of olive oil or butter, then the sliced onions along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to coat the onions well. The magic here is to cook the onions low and slow, stirring every 5 minutes, until they’re golden brown and sweetly caramelized. This can take around 20 to 30 minutes, but it’s completely worth it. If the onions start sticking or browning too fast, reduce the heat or splash a little water or white wine to deglaze the pan. After the onions are caramelized, add the fresh spinach right into the pot. Stir it in until wilted, about 2 minutes, then combine this glorious mixture with your cooked chicken in the bowl.
Step 4: Make the Parmesan Cheese Sauce
Using the same pot, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in a small amount of flour to create a roux, then gradually add the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce it to a simmer and stir occasionally until it thickens delightfully. When the sauce has thickened, remove from heat and stir in the parmesan cheese, garlic powder, kosher salt, and plenty of freshly ground black pepper. This creamy sauce is what ties all the flavors of the pasta bake together.
Step 5: Assemble the Pasta Bake
Now for the fun part: gently combine your cooked pasta, caramelized onion and spinach mixture, and chicken into the pot with the cheese sauce. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed, then pour the whole mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Step 6: Add the Topping and Bake
Mix the panko bread crumbs with melted butter until combined. Sprinkle this breadcrumb topping generously over the pasta mixture. Bake the dish in your preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the topping is beautifully golden and crunchy. This final bake melds the flavors and creates a crowd-pleasing crust everyone will love.
How to Serve Easy Caramelized Onion Spinach Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil on top adds a pop of color and fresh herbal notes, making your dish look even more inviting. For an extra touch of indulgence, a light drizzle of good quality olive oil or a dash of grated parmesan just before serving works wonders.
Side Dishes
This pasta bake is hearty enough to stand alone but pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread to round out the meal. Something fresh and light balances the creamy richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual portions scooped into colorful bowls for a casual family meal or plate it elegantly with a garnish of microgreens and a wedge of lemon for a dinner party. You can even freeze portions for quick lunches—each presentation makes this dish feel special with minimal effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover pasta bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave until warmed through, ensuring the creamy texture remains intact and delicious.
Freezing
This Easy Caramelized Onion Spinach Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe freezes wonderfully. Assemble it as directed but skip the breadcrumb topping. Place it in a freezer-safe container, cover well, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking with your breadcrumb topping for the full experience.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350 degrees until warmed through and the topping is crisp once again. For microwave reheating, cover the dish loosely and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring occasionally for even warming.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While dry pasta shells are perfect for holding sauce, rotini, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta varieties work well and add variety to the dish.
Is there a dairy-free substitute for the parmesan cheese sauce?
You can try using a plant-based butter and milk substitute along with nutritional yeast to mimic the cheesy flavor. The sauce won’t be quite the same but still tasty and creamy.
How long does it take to caramelize onions properly?
Caramelizing onions is a slow process that can take between 20 and 30 minutes over medium-low heat. Patience pays off with the rich sweetness that transforms the entire dish.
Can I skip the baking step and serve it immediately?
Yes! If you’re short on time, you can skip baking entirely and stir the warm ingredients together. The flavors will still be delicious, though the breadcrumb topping won’t have that crisp texture.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! This pasta bake keeps well in the fridge and freezes beautifully, making it a perfect make-ahead dinner or lunch option.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that delivers big on flavor without fuss, the Easy Caramelized Onion Spinach Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe is a home run. With its luscious layers of caramelized onions, wholesome spinach, tender chicken, and creamy cheese sauce all baked beneath a crunchy topping, it quickly becomes a family favorite. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll be one of those recipes you turn to again and again for comfort, convenience, and pure deliciousness.
PrintEasy Caramelized Onion Spinach Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
This Easy Caramelized Onion Spinach Chicken Pasta Bake is a comforting and flavorful casserole combining tender pasta shells, juicy diced chicken, sweet caramelized onions, fresh spinach, and a creamy parmesan cheese sauce. Topped with a golden buttery breadcrumb crust and baked to perfection, it’s an ideal weeknight dinner that satisfies the whole family with rich flavors and hearty textures.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Pasta Bake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the pasta:
- 10 ounces dry pasta shells (or rotini, fusilli, or gluten-free pasta)
For the chicken:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, diced into ½ inch cubes
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Freshly ground salt and pepper, to taste
For the caramelized onions & spinach:
- ½ tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 2 large yellow onions, sliced
- Freshly ground salt and pepper, to taste
- 10–12 ounces fresh spinach (about 2 (5-ounce) bags)
For the parmesan cheese sauce:
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour)
- 2 cups 2% or whole milk (or unsweetened almond milk)
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the topping:
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs (gluten-free if desired)
- 1 tablespoon salted butter, melted
Instructions
- Prep your pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 2-quart baking dish or an 11×7 inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray or grease it with olive oil or butter.
- Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta shells in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: Heat ½ tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink inside. Transfer cooked chicken to a large mixing bowl.
- Caramelize the onions and spinach: In the same pot, add ½ tablespoon olive oil or butter, sliced onions, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, checking every 5 minutes until onions are deeply golden and caramelized, approximately 25-30 minutes. If the onions begin to stick or brown too fast, reduce heat or add a splash of water or white wine to deglaze. Once caramelized, reduce heat to low, stir in the fresh spinach and cook ~2 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat and add onion-spinach mixture to the bowl with the chicken.
- Make the parmesan cheese sauce: In the now-empty pot, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Whisk in a small amount of the flour first, then gradually add the milk alternately with the rest of the flour, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and stir occasionally until sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in grated parmesan, garlic powder, kosher salt, and generous freshly ground black pepper.
- Assemble the pasta bake: Add the cooked pasta, caramelized onions and spinach, and chicken into the sauce. Stir gently to combine and season again with salt and pepper to taste. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake: In a small bowl, mix panko bread crumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the breadcrumb topping is golden and crispy. Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Serves 6.
Notes
- To make this gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta, gluten-free flour, and gluten-free bread crumbs.
- You can omit the bread crumb topping and baking step for a quicker meal; the pasta bake will still be delicious.
- For a little crunch without bread crumbs, sprinkle crumbled crackers or toasted breadcrumbs on top before serving.
- This dish freezes well. To freeze, prepare the casserole through assembly but do not add the breadcrumb topping or bake. Place in a freezer-safe container, cover, and freeze. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed with the topping before serving.
