When comfort food calls, few dishes deliver like a bubbling, golden Chicken Alfredo Bake with Spinach & Bacon. It’s the perfect marriage of creamy Alfredo sauce, juicy chunks of chicken, smoky-crispy bacon, and a generous dose of melted cheese — all baked together with tender pasta until golden and irresistible.

This recipe transforms classic chicken Alfredo into a baked casserole that’s cozy, hearty, and perfect for feeding a hungry family or guests. The spinach adds a fresh, earthy balance to the richness, while the bacon introduces that unmistakable smoky depth. Each bite is creamy, cheesy, and comforting — the very definition of a feel-good dinner.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it combines everything comforting about homemade pasta — the creaminess of Alfredo sauce, the savory crunch of bacon, and the tenderness of chicken — into one oven-baked masterpiece.

It’s a complete meal in one dish, and it’s the kind of recipe that makes everyone ask for seconds. I also love that it’s easy to customize — you can make it creamier, spicier, or even sneak in more veggies. It reheats beautifully, making it great for leftovers or meal prep.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Rich & Creamy Alfredo Sauce: Homemade, velvety, and perfectly balanced.
• Smoky Bacon Flavor: Adds crunch and depth.
• Nutritious Spinach: Adds color, freshness, and nutrients.
• Tender Chicken: Protein-packed and satisfying.
• Cheesy, Baked Perfection: Melts together beautifully under a golden crust.
• Great for Make-Ahead Meals: Bake now or refrigerate for later.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories: Approximately 640 kcal per serving

Course and Cuisine

• Course: Main Course / Dinner
• Cuisine: American–Italian Fusion

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz (340 g) penne or rigatoni
• Salt for boiling water

For the Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for warmth)

For the Filling:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie works great)
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded

For Topping:

• ½ cup mozzarella (for the golden crust)
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, for garnish

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add penne or rigatoni and cook until al dente (firm but tender).
3. Drain and set aside — do not overcook, as it will continue baking in the oven.

Step 2: Prepare the Alfredo Sauce

1. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Sprinkle in flour and whisk continuously for 1 minute to form a roux.
4. Slowly pour in heavy cream and milk, whisking to prevent lumps.
5. Bring to a gentle simmer; the sauce will begin to thicken.
6. Stir in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
7. Simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until creamy and smooth.

Step 3: Combine the Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, chicken, spinach, bacon, and mozzarella.
2. Pour the prepared Alfredo sauce over the mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.

Step 4: Assemble the Bake

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
3. Pour the pasta mixture into the dish, spreading evenly.
4. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan for that irresistible cheesy crust.

Step 5: Bake

1. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
2. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

• Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving for color and freshness.
• Serve hot and enjoy that creamy, cheesy perfection!

How to Serve

This dish is rich and hearty enough to be the star of your meal, but it pairs wonderfully with:

• A fresh green salad or Caesar salad
• Garlic bread or buttered dinner rolls
• A crisp glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio

Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even a cozy weekend meal.

Recipe Tips

• Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor.
• Do not overcook pasta, or it may turn mushy after baking.
• Thicken your sauce properly before mixing — it should coat the back of a spoon.
• Add the spinach last to keep its color and texture fresh.
• Mix cheeses (Parmesan + mozzarella) for the best flavor and stretch.

Recipe Variations

1. Vegetarian Alfredo Bake

Omit the chicken and bacon, and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or sun-dried tomatoes instead.

2. Extra Creamy Alfredo Bake

Mix 4 oz cream cheese into the Alfredo sauce for ultra-rich texture.

3. Spicy Kick

Add ½ teaspoon red chili flakes or use smoked paprika for a subtle heat.

4. Low-Carb Version

Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower florets instead of pasta.

5. Seafood Alfredo Bake

Swap chicken for shrimp or crab meat for an elegant twist.

Freezing and Storage

To Store:

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

To Freeze:

• Cool completely, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.

To Reheat:

• Thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes or until heated through.
• Add a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess if needed.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or saucepan
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Whisk
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Mixing bowl

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
Yes! If you’re short on time, use about 2 cups of quality store-bought Alfredo sauce, but homemade tastes richer and fresher.

Q2: Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes — thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before mixing it in.

Q3: What’s the best pasta for this bake?
Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or ziti holds the sauce well and bakes evenly.

Q4: Can I make it ahead?
Yes! Assemble the entire dish up to one day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

Q5: How do I prevent the sauce from drying out during baking?
Cover with foil for the first 15 minutes, then uncover to brown the top.

Conclusion

The Chicken Alfredo Bake with Spinach & Bacon is the epitome of cozy comfort food — rich, creamy, and absolutely indulgent. Each bite balances smoky bacon, juicy chicken, and velvety Alfredo sauce, all bound together by tender pasta and melted cheese.

It’s easy to make, feeds a crowd, and tastes like something straight out of a restaurant kitchen. Whether for weeknight dinners, gatherings, or meal prep, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.