If you are craving a dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside, this Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tender shredded chicken, vibrant spinach, and a rich, dreamy blend of cream cheese and sour cream, all topped with gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheese that bakes to golden perfection. Whether you’re feeding a family or want a comforting meal for yourself, this casserole delivers comforting flavors and satisfying textures that make every bite memorable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create magic in the oven. Each element plays a special role—fresh spinach for bright color and earthiness, cream cheese and sour cream for that luscious creaminess, and cheeses for unbeatable melty goodness and depth of flavor.
- 2-3 cups cooked and shredded chicken: The hearty protein base that makes the casserole satisfyingly filling.
- 4 cups fresh spinach (or 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained): Adds a fresh burst of green and nutrients, perfectly balancing the richness.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: Key for creating that silky, creamy texture throughout the dish.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Brings subtle tanginess and helps keep the casserole moist and tender.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Offers that classic melty, stretchy cheese goodness on top.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, savory kick that enhances the overall flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides aromatic warmth and depth.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Gives a gentle sweetness and texture contrast when cooked.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild spice and balances the richness.
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional): A subtle hint that complements spinach beautifully and elevates the cream sauce.
- Optional additions (sliced mushrooms, artichoke hearts, or cooked pasta): Great for customizing the casserole and creating new textures or flavors.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by cooking and shredding your chicken if it’s not already ready to go. For the spinach, if you’re using fresh, give it a quick sauté until it just wilts—this enhances the flavor and releases any excess moisture. If you opt for frozen, be sure to thaw and squeeze out all the water so the casserole doesn’t get soggy. This step sets the foundation for a perfectly textured dish.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, garlic, and finely chopped onion. Add the salt, pepper, and the optional pinch of nutmeg. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and well blended. This creamy sauce is the heart of your casserole, melding flavors into a luscious base that keeps every bite rich and comforting.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a medium-sized casserole dish just enough to prevent sticking. Layer your shredded chicken evenly in the bottom of the dish, then add the sautéed spinach over the top. Pour the creamy sauce over the layers and gently mix the ingredients within the dish to get an even distribution without breaking up the chicken too much.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. These cheeses melt into a golden, bubbly crust that provides a perfect contrast in texture to the creamy layers beneath. Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until the top is beautifully golden and the casserole is heated through with bubbling edges—your sign that it’s ready to enjoy.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Let the casserole cool slightly before serving to allow it to set and make serving easier. This dish is comfort in a pan, perfect for dinner any night of the week.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil right before serving adds a pop of vibrant color and fresh flavor that contrasts nicely with the rich casserole. A light dusting of extra Parmesan cheese can further enhance the cheesy goodness and make each serving feel extra special.
Side Dishes
This creamy casserole pairs beautifully with simple, fresh sides like a crisp green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette or some crunchy garlic bread to soak up every last bit of sauce. If you prefer something more substantial, fluffy white rice or buttery mashed potatoes are perfect companions, creating a hearty and balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins for personal portions that look elegant and make guests feel pampered. You can also mix in cooked pasta before baking to give this casserole a comforting pasta bake vibe. Adding roasted mushrooms or artichoke hearts makes the dish even more exciting and packed with umami flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy this lovely comfort food multiple times without losing its creamy texture or flavorful punch.
Freezing
This casserole freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep. After baking, let it cool completely, then transfer portions into freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until bubbly and heated through. You can also microwave individual servings; just cover loosely and heat in short intervals to avoid drying out the creamy sauce.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh in this casserole?
Absolutely! Frozen spinach works perfectly as long as you thaw it completely and squeeze out all excess moisture before using. This prevents the casserole from becoming watery and keeps the flavors concentrated.
Is it necessary to use both cream cheese and sour cream?
Using both cream cheese and sour cream creates the ideal balance of creaminess and light tang, enhancing the flavor and texture. You can adjust the amounts slightly to your preference, but removing one entirely may change the dish’s richness.
What other proteins can I substitute for chicken?
Turkey works wonderfully in place of chicken, especially if you want a similar lean option. For a vegetarian twist, roasted mushrooms or artichoke hearts can be used to keep the texture hearty and satisfying.
Can I prepare the casserole in advance and bake it later?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to a day ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. When you’re ready, just bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes to ensure it’s warmed through.
Can I add pasta to make it a one-dish meal?
Definitely! Mixing cooked pasta into the casserole before baking transforms it into a comforting pasta bake. Just be mindful to adjust seasoning and moisture levels so it stays creamy and not dry.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a cozy, flavorful meal that feels both indulgent and nourishing. The combination of tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and cheesy creaminess makes it a standout comfort food any day of the week. Give it a try and watch it become one of your favorite go-to dishes to share with family and friends.
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Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy chicken and spinach casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make dish perfect for a family dinner. It features tender shredded chicken combined with sautéed spinach in a rich cream cheese and sour cream sauce, topped with melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, then baked to golden perfection. This hearty casserole pairs well with salads, bread, or rice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2–3 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 4 cups fresh spinach (or 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Optional Additions
- Sliced mushrooms
- Artichoke hearts
- Cooked pasta
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Cook and shred the chicken if it’s not already pre-cooked. If using fresh spinach, sauté it lightly in a pan until wilted. For frozen spinach, ensure it is thawed completely and drained well to remove excess moisture.
- Make the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if using. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to warm up while you assemble the casserole.
- Assemble the Casserole: Lightly grease a casserole dish. Layer the shredded chicken, sautéed spinach, and the creamy sauce together. Mix gently in the dish to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan on top of the casserole. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad, crusty bread, or a side of rice for a complete and delicious meal.
Notes
- You can add sliced mushrooms or artichoke hearts to the casserole for extra flavor and texture.
- Using cooked pasta in the casserole can turn this dish into a more filling entree.
- Ensure frozen spinach is well-drained to prevent a watery casserole.
- For a lighter version, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt.
- Letting the casserole rest after baking helps it set and makes serving easier.
