If you’re looking for a dish that’s both comforting and a total time-saver, the Lazy Mom’s Chicken Florentine Pasta Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. This casserole brings together tender chicken, melty cheese, vibrant spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes in a creamy, dreamy sauce that bakes to bubbly perfection. It’s simple, hearty, and packed with flavor—perfect for nights when you want delicious home-cooked food without hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this casserole lies in its straightforward ingredients that come together to create a luscious and satisfying meal. Each component plays a crucial role in flavor, texture, and color, making sure every bite is delicious and balanced.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast (diced): Lean protein that cooks up tender and juicy in the casserole.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that brings a classic Mediterranean flair to the dish.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Adds aromatic depth and a touch of warmth to the sauce.
- 12 oz short pasta shapes: Perfect for holding onto creamy sauce and bits of chicken in each bite.
- 2 cups chicken stock: Builds the flavorful base for the casserole’s creamy sauce.
- 2 cups whole milk: Adds richness and creaminess that ties all the flavors together.
- 1/4 cup cornstarch: The secret weapon for thickening the sauce without lumps.
- 1 7-oz jar sun-dried tomatoes (drained and roughly sliced): Burst of tangy sweetness that brightens up the rich flavors.
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan: Sharp, nutty cheese to add savory complexity.
- 3/4 cup shredded melty cheese (such as mozzarella): Provides that irresistibly gooey and stringy texture.
- 2 heaping cups baby spinach: Fresh, vibrant greens that wilt perfectly in the oven for color and nutrition.
How to Make Lazy Mom’s Chicken Florentine Pasta Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Materials
Start by preheating your oven to 430°F (220°C). Grab a 9×13 casserole dish and a large piece of foil for covering later. This initial setup makes the whole process smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Combine the Main Ingredients
Place your diced chicken, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and pasta directly into the casserole dish. In a separate jug, whisk together the chicken stock, whole milk, and cornstarch thoroughly—this will become the luscious sauce binding everything. Pour this mixture evenly over the ingredients in the dish, then give it a gentle stir to combine without breaking up the pasta.
Step 3: Bake Covered
Cover the casserole dish tightly with the foil and pop it into the oven. Let it bake for 30 minutes. This step allows the chicken to cook through and the pasta to absorb the flavors while the sauce thickens beautifully under the foil’s steam-trapping effect.
Step 4: Add the Cheeses, Tomatoes, and Spinach, Then Finish Baking
Carefully remove the foil from the hot casserole and stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, grated parmesan, shredded mozzarella, and the baby spinach. Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly, golden in spots, and the spinach is perfectly wilted for a burst of freshness.
How to Serve Lazy Mom’s Chicken Florentine Pasta Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil leaves works wonders to brighten the richness of the casserole while adding a pop of color. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few crushed red pepper flakes can enhance the flavor and add a subtle kick if you like a little heat.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with a simple green salad or some roasted vegetables complements the creamy pasta nicely. Garlic bread or crusty rolls also make excellent companions, perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this casserole straight from the dish for cozy family dinners, or portion it into individual ramekins for a charming, personalized touch at a gathering. Adding a dusting of extra parmesan and a fresh basil leaf to each serving elevates the presentation and invites hungry smiles.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Lazy Mom’s Chicken Florentine Pasta Casserole Recipe to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop more after resting, making the leftovers just as delightful the next day.
Freezing
This casserole freezes well if you want to save it for busy nights. After baking and cooling completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers or wrap the entire dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to prevent drying out, until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave individual servings on medium power in short bursts, stirring in between, to keep the cheesy sauce creamy and smooth.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this casserole?
Absolutely! While short pasta shapes like penne or rotini work best to hold the sauce, you can use whatever pasta you have on hand. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly if it’s a thicker or thinner type.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the chicken with hearty mushrooms, chickpeas, or a mix of your favorite veggies. The Italian seasoning and sun-dried tomatoes ensure plenty of flavor without the meat.
Can I use low-fat milk instead of whole milk?
You can, but the sauce may be slightly less rich and creamy. For best results, whole milk or even half-and-half keeps the texture indulgent and luscious.
How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?
The chicken should be cooked through and the pasta tender after the initial 30 minutes of baking with the foil on. The final uncovered bake melts the cheeses and finishes off the dish with bubbling goodness.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time and bake it later?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to the step before baking, cover it tightly and refrigerate overnight. When ready to eat, bake as directed but expect to add a few more minutes to ensure it’s hot all the way through.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful meal that’s easy to throw together after a busy day, you simply have to try the Lazy Mom’s Chicken Florentine Pasta Casserole Recipe. It hits all the right notes of creamy, cheesy, and fresh without fuss or stress. Trust me, once you taste this dish, it’ll become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection. Happy cooking!
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Lazy Mom’s Chicken Florentine Pasta Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Lazy Mom’s Chicken Florentine Pasta Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make one-dish meal combining tender chicken, creamy spinach sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and melty cheeses baked to perfection. Ready in under an hour, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you crave a hearty Italian-inspired pasta bake.
Ingredients
Protein and Seasonings
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, diced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta and Liquids
- 12 oz short pasta shapes
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
Additions and Cheese
- 1 (7 oz) jar sun-dried tomatoes, drained and roughly sliced
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup shredded melty cheese (such as mozzarella)
- 2 heaping cups baby spinach
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 430°F (220°C). Prepare a 9×13 inch casserole dish and have a large piece of foil ready to cover the dish during baking.
- Assemble: In the casserole dish, combine the diced chicken, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and uncooked pasta. In a large measuring jug, whisk together the chicken stock, whole milk, and cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture over the contents of the casserole dish and gently stir to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Bake: Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This allows the chicken to cook through and the pasta to soften in the flavorful liquid.
- Finish assembling: Carefully remove the casserole from the oven and take off the foil. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, grated parmesan, shredded mozzarella (or other melty cheese), and the baby spinach leaves. Return the casserole to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the spinach has wilted. Serve hot immediately.
Notes
- Use short pasta shapes that hold sauce well, such as penne, rotini, or shells.
- Sun-dried tomatoes add a rich, tangy flavor but can be substituted with roasted red peppers if preferred.
- You can swap out whole milk for 2% milk to reduce fat slightly.
- Make sure to cover the dish tightly with foil during the first bake to trap steam and properly cook the pasta.
- For a lower sodium version, use low-sodium chicken stock and reduce added cheese.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
