Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe

This Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is the epitome of creamy, cheesy goodness combined with tender chicken and nutritious spinach. This comforting casserole is easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or family gatherings. With a luscious cream cheese sauce, juicy chicken, and flavorful spinach all baked to golden perfection, this dish is bound to become a household favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy: Made with simple ingredients, this casserole is straightforward and ready in about an hour.
2. Deliciously Creamy: The cream cheese sauce adds a luxurious, smooth texture that makes each bite irresistible.
3. Healthy Spinach: This recipe is packed with spinach, offering a boost of iron and vitamins.
4. Customizable: Add extra veggies or seasonings to make it your own.
5. Great for Leftovers: Tastes just as good the next day, making it ideal for meal prep.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cut the Chicken: Dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
3. Chop Spinach: Roughly chop the spinach if using fresh; if using frozen spinach, thaw and squeeze out excess moisture.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

1. Heat Butter: In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
2. Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet, season with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Set Aside: Transfer the cooked chicken to a bowl and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Spinach and Garlic

1. Add Butter and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Add Spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until it wilts down, about 3-4 minutes. If there is any excess moisture, drain it.
3. Season: Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Sauce

1. Cream Cheese and Cream: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese and heavy cream until smooth and combined.
2. Add Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan, remaining Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
3. Combine with Chicken and Spinach: Add the cooked chicken and spinach to the cream cheese mixture, stirring to coat evenly.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

1. Layer the Mixture: Pour the chicken and spinach mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
2. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, creating an even layer.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

1. Cover and Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
2. Remove Foil: After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
3. Broil (Optional): For a bubbly golden crust, broil the casserole on high for 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.

Step 7: Serve

1. Garnish: Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
2. Serve Hot: Serve this creamy, cheesy casserole hot, paired with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Tips for the Best Chicken and Spinach Casserole

• Use Softened Cream Cheese: Softening the cream cheese ensures it blends smoothly into the sauce.
• Season as You Go: Season the chicken, spinach, and sauce separately to build layers of flavor.
• Don’t Overcook the Spinach: Spinach cooks quickly; just sauté until wilted to maintain its vibrant color and texture.
• Use Fresh Grated Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and adds more flavor than pre-shredded varieties.

Recipe Variations

1. Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the spinach for added depth of flavor.
2. Use Different Cheese: Try Gruyère or white cheddar for a unique flavor twist.
3. Add Extra Vegetables: Diced bell peppers or sun-dried tomatoes add color and flavor.
4. Swap the Protein: Substitute cooked shredded turkey or rotisserie chicken for a convenient option.
5. Make It Spicier: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.

Serving Suggestions

• Side Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
• Crusty Bread: Serve with warm crusty bread or garlic bread to scoop up the creamy sauce.
• Mashed Potatoes: For an indulgent side, try serving the casserole with creamy mashed potatoes.

Storing and Reheating

1. Store Leftovers: Cover any leftover casserole and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
2. Freeze for Later: Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
3. Reheat: Warm the casserole in a 350°F oven until heated through, or microwave individual portions on medium heat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, frozen spinach works well in this recipe. Make sure to thaw and squeeze out excess water to prevent the casserole from becoming watery.

2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.

3. What other cheeses can I use?
If you don’t have mozzarella, you can use provolone, white cheddar, or Gruyère for a different flavor profile.

4. How can I make this dish lighter?
To lighten up the casserole, you can use light cream cheese and substitute half of the heavy cream with milk or half-and-half.

Conclusion

This Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is a creamy, cheesy delight that’s perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in. The tender chicken, flavorful spinach, and rich cream cheese sauce come together in a satisfying, flavorful casserole that’s sure to please. With easy preparation, adaptable ingredients, and endless flavor possibilities, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your cooking rotation. Enjoy the rich taste, comforting texture, and nutritious boost of this fantastic casserole!

Yield: 6

Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe

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This Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is the epitome of creamy, cheesy goodness combined with tender chicken and nutritious spinach. This comforting casserole is easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or family gatherings. With a luscious cream cheese sauce, juicy chicken, and flavorful spinach all baked to golden perfection, this dish is bound to become a household favorite!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a medium-sized casserole dish.
   
2. Sauté Vegetables:
   In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
   
3. Add Spinach:
   Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
   
4. Prepare Creamy Mixture:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed and creamy.
   
5. Combine and Transfer:
   Fold in the shredded chicken, sautéed spinach mixture, and stir to evenly coat with the creamy mixture. Transfer to the prepared casserole dish.
   
6. Top and Bake:
   Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the casserole. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
   
7. Garnish and Serve:
   Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Add Crunch: Top with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers before baking for extra texture.

Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the cream cheese mixture for a little heat.

Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the spinach and onions for a hearty addition.