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
Scale
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.
