Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe
This Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole combines tender shredded chicken, sautéed spinach, and a rich, cheesy sauce baked to golden perfection. With cream cheese and sour cream lending a silky texture and mozzarella and Parmesan topping the dish with gooey, savory goodness, this casserole is an easy, comforting meal perfect for weeknights or gatherings. Optional ingredients like mushrooms or artichoke hearts add extra flavor and heartiness, making it versatile and satisfying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
Scale
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 your chicken if it’s not pre-cooked. If using fresh spinach, sauté it lightly until wilted. For frozen spinach, thaw and drain 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, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if using. Stir until smooth and well-blended to create a creamy sauce base.
- Assemble the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased casserole dish, layer the shredded chicken and sautéed spinach, then pour the creamy sauce over them. Gently mix everything together to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese on top of the casserole. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly indicating it’s thoroughly heated and melted.
- Serve and Enjoy: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh salad, crusty bread, or rice to complete the meal.
Notes
- Using fresh spinach adds a brighter flavor, but frozen spinach is a convenient alternative; just ensure it is well drained to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
- You can add sliced mushrooms or artichoke hearts to the casserole mixture for variation and added depth.
- For a heartier meal, stir cooked pasta into the mixture before baking.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened for easier mixing and a smoother sauce.
- Letting the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking helps it set and makes serving easier.
Keywords: chicken casserole, spinach casserole, creamy chicken bake, baked chicken and spinach, comfort food, easy dinner recipe, cheesy casserole
