Save to Pinterest Discover a wholesome twist on a comfort food classic with this Greek Yogurt Chicken Alfredo Bake. This dish reimagines traditional creamy pasta by utilizing high-protein Greek yogurt and savory rotisserie chicken, creating a meal that is both indulgent and nourishing. With its golden, bubbly cheese topping and tender penne, it is a perfect solution for a quick and satisfying Italian-American dinner.
Save to Pinterest This 50-minute recipe brings together the zing of fresh garlic and the earthiness of baby spinach, all folded into a smooth, cheesy sauce. It is a crowd-pleaser that balances convenience with fresh ingredients.
Ingredients
- Proteins: 3 cups cooked rotisserie chicken (shredded), 2 cups plain Greek yogurt (2% or whole milk preferred), 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
- Pasta: 12 oz (340 g) penne or rigatoni pasta.
- Vegetables & Aromatics: 2 cups fresh baby spinach (roughly chopped), 3 cloves garlic (minced).
- Sauce & Seasonings: 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, pinch of red pepper flakes (optional).
- Topping: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish).
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Step 2
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 3
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Step 4
- Add chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Step 5
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in Greek yogurt, 1 cup mozzarella, and 1/2 cup Parmesan until smooth and creamy. Do not boil.
- Step 6
- Fold in shredded rotisserie chicken and chopped spinach. Cook for 1-2 minutes until spinach wilts slightly.
- Step 7
- Combine cooked pasta and sauce mixture in a large bowl. Mix well to coat everything evenly.
- Step 8
- Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.
- Step 9
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
- Step 10
- Let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To prevent the Greek yogurt from curdling, ensure you reduce the heat to low before stirring it into the sauce. Do not let the sauce come to a boil once the yogurt is added. For the best texture, use a 9x13-inch baking dish to ensure even heating and a perfectly golden cheese crust.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can easily customize this bake by substituting whole wheat or chickpea pasta for extra fiber. For a vegetable boost, consider folding in steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms along with the spinach.
Serviervorschläge
This hearty bake is best served alongside a crisp green salad to provide a fresh contrast to the creamy sauce. A glass of dry white wine also pairs beautifully with the tangy notes of the yogurt and Parmesan.
Save to Pinterest Enjoy this high-protein, flavorful dinner that brings a lighter touch to traditional Italian-American comfort food. With its simple steps and accessible ingredients, it is sure to become a household favorite.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
Greek yogurt is recommended because its thicker consistency creates a creamy sauce without becoming watery. Regular yogurt contains more whey and may result in a thinner sauce that could separate during baking.
- → How do I prevent the yogurt sauce from curdling?
Keep the heat low when incorporating Greek yogurt and avoid boiling. Stir constantly until smooth and creamy. The sauce should gently simmer rather than boil to maintain its silky texture.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble everything in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- → What pasta shapes work best?
Penne and rigatoni are ideal because their tubes capture the creamy sauce. Ziti, fusilli, or macaroni would also work well. Avoid smooth pasta like spaghetti as the sauce won't cling as effectively.
- → Can I freeze leftovers?
This dish freezes well for up to 3 months. Portion into airtight containers and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The sauce may appear slightly separated but will cream up again when warmed.
- → What can I use instead of rotisserie chicken?
Leftover cooked chicken, poached chicken breasts, or even turkey work perfectly. You'll need about 3 cups of cooked, shredded meat for this recipe.