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If you are craving a comforting, rich, and satisfying dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. Blending tender shredded chicken with velvety cheeses and vibrant, fresh spinach, this casserole is both hearty and bright. It’s a brilliantly simple, yet indulgently delicious meal that comes together quickly and fills your home with irresistible aromas. Whether you’re feeding family or friends, this dish offers a perfect balance of creaminess and freshness you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe comes from a handful of straightforward and wholesome ingredients that create layers of flavor and texture. Each element plays its part, from the tangy cream cheese to the earthy garlic and bright spinach, making the final dish truly memorable.
- 4 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded: This is the hearty protein base, providing tender, juicy bites throughout.
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened: Adds the rich, smooth creaminess that binds everything together beautifully.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Brings a tangy depth and boosts the moisture, keeping every forkful luscious.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Offers a mild, stretchy cheesiness that melts perfectly over the entire casserole.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Infuses a sharp, nutty note that lifts the dish’s flavor profile.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to gently sauté the garlic and spinach, enhancing their aromas without overpowering.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant punch that warms every bite.
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped: Adds vibrant color, a slight earthiness, and vital nutrients.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasonings that balance and highlight all the flavors.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s nice and ready to create that golden-topped, bubbly goodness by the time your casserole mixture is assembled.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Spinach
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat just until shimmering. Add the minced garlic and cook for about one minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Then toss in the chopped spinach and sauté until it wilts down, roughly 2 to 3 minutes. This quick cook unlocks the spinach’s vibrant color and tender texture, which will perfectly complement the creamy mixture later.
Step 3: Combine the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, blend together cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Use a spatula or whisk to mix until the mixture becomes smooth and well combined — this creamy base is where all the luscious flavor begins to meld beautifully.
Step 4: Fold in Chicken and Spinach
Gently stir in the tender shredded chicken and the warm, wilted spinach to the creamy mixture. Make sure everything is evenly distributed so every scoop will have a perfect balance of creaminess, chicken, and greens.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Spread your cozy, flavorful mixture evenly into a greased 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking dish. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the casserole is bubbling all over and has developed a gorgeous slight golden top—not to mention that irresistible savory aroma filling your kitchen.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or some freshly chopped parsley on top right after baking elevates both appearance and flavor. A few red pepper flakes can add a little heat if you like a gentle kick.
Side Dishes
This creamy casserole pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides such as a crisp green salad or steamed veggies to balance the richness. For heartier meals, fluffy rice, crusty bread, or buttered pasta are classic companions that soak up all the delicious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the casserole in individual ramekins or small cast-iron skillets; this makes for charming presentations perfect for dinner parties or cozy family meals. You can also top with toasted breadcrumbs or crushed nuts before baking for a delightful crunchy contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your casserole, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making reheated portions just as delightful as fresh.
Freezing
If you want to save time later, this casserole freezes beautifully. Place it in a freezer-safe dish or portion into individual containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw thoroughly in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, bake the casserole at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through and bubbly. You can also microwave individual portions for convenience, stirring halfway to heat evenly.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw it fully and squeeze out excess moisture before adding to keep the casserole from becoming watery.
What kind of chicken works best?
Cooked and shredded chicken breasts work perfectly for this recipe, but rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds great flavor.
Is there a way to make this casserole lighter?
To lighten it up, try substituting part of the cream cheese and sour cream with Greek yogurt and reduce the cheese slightly for fewer calories while keeping creaminess.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or diced onions sautéed along with the spinach are delicious additions that add texture and flavor.
What if I don’t have mozzarella cheese?
Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack can be great substitutes, bringing their own unique flavors while still melting nicely.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe is one of those unbeatable dishes that brings comfort and satisfaction with every bite. It’s simple to prepare, packed with flavor, and a perfect way to brighten up any dinner table. Give it a try, and you’ll soon find it becoming a beloved staple in your home too!
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Print
Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This creamy chicken and spinach casserole is a comforting and delicious baked dish combining tender shredded chicken with spinach and a blend of creamy cheeses. Easy to prepare and perfect for a family dinner, it delivers a rich, cheesy flavor with a nutritious twist from fresh spinach.
Ingredients
Protein and Dairy
- 4 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables and Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking the casserole.
- Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Cook Spinach: Add the chopped fresh spinach to the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it is wilted. Remove from heat once done.
- Mix Cheeses and Creams: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Mix well until you achieve a smooth, creamy mixture.
- Combine Chicken and Spinach: Stir the shredded cooked chicken and the wilted spinach into the creamy cheese mixture until thoroughly combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking dish, smoothing the top for even cooking.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly throughout.
- Serve: Once baked, serve the creamy chicken and spinach casserole warm, alongside rice, bread, or pasta for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh spinach with frozen spinach if preferred; just make sure to thaw and drain excess liquid beforehand.
- Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is an easy shortcut for this recipe.
- Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes or herbs like thyme or rosemary for added flavor.
- For a crispier topping, sprinkle extra mozzarella or Parmesan cheese on top before baking.
