Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole is a delightful and comforting dish that embodies warmth and wholesome goodness. This creamy casserole showcases tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and a rich blend of cheeses, all baked to perfection beneath a golden breadcrumb topping. Each bite offers a harmony of flavors and a satisfying contrast in textures. It’s the ultimate comfort food that not only warms the heart but also nourishes the soul.

Why is this dish worth making? It’s the kind of recipe that brings the family together at the dinner table with its irresistible aroma and inviting flavors. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. With a step-by-step approach, you’ll be enjoying this creamy delight in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole is packed with benefits! It requires minimal prep time and easily combines everyday ingredients into a fantastic dish. Whether you’re cooking for a family gathering or simply craving comfort, this recipe is incredibly family-friendly. It’s quick to assemble, making it ideal for those busy evenings. Plus, using leftover cooked chicken and rice means less food waste and more savings, making it a match made in heaven!

Ingredients for Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole

For this delicious casserole, gather the following ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
½ cup onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup cream cheese, softened
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Step-by-Step Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure your casserole doesn’t stick.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add a tablespoon of olive oil. When it’s heated, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until you smell that fragrant aroma and until the onions are softened.
Next, add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until it wilts down. Remove from heat and set the skillet aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and shredded chicken, cooked rice, softened cream cheese, heavy cream, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, dried basil, oregano, and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined and coated in creamy goodness.
Add the sautéed spinach mixture into the chicken mixture. Give it a good stir to blend all the flavors together.
Transfer this creamy mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly across the dish to promote even cooking.
In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, melted butter, and grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this delightful topping evenly over the casserole.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling with deliciousness.
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This short wait will help it set to make serving easier.

Tips & Tricks

To ensure you get the best results, don’t rush the sautéing process; you want those onions and garlic to become fragrant and translucent. If you have leftover cooked chicken from a prior meal, now’s the time to use it! It can significantly cut down your prep time. Feel free to experiment with spices – a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick. For those who enjoy extra crispiness, double the breadcrumb topping!

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

This Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad dressed in a light vinaigrette. For heartier options, consider serving it alongside some homemade garlic bread or steamed vegetables. A glass of refreshing lemonade or iced tea complements the rich flavors of the casserole perfectly.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole contains a rich blend of nutrients, making it not only tasty but also filling. With generous portions of lean protein from the chicken and the vitality of spinach, you’re looking at a dish that contains approximately 450 calories per serving, along with essential vitamins and minerals. Keep in mind that moderation is key, especially if you indulge in extra servings!

Storing Tips & Variations for Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole

This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you would like to freeze it, assemble but do not bake; instead, cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake straight from frozen, increasing the cooking time to 45-60 minutes. For those looking to switch things up, consider substituting the rice with quinoa for a healthier twist or adding other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers.

Conclusion for Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole deserves a spot on your dinner rotation. The combination of creamy flavors, tender chicken, and crispy topping makes this dish utterly delicious and memorable. Why wait? Gather your ingredients and dive into this delightful recipe today!

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen spinach can be used, but be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the casserole.
Can I prep this casserole in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese can be good alternatives, but they will change the texture slightly.
How can I make this dish lower in calories?
Use low-fat cheese and substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk or chicken broth.
Can I add more vegetables?
Certainly! Feel free to include other veggies like broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers to pack in more nutrition.

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole

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Author: eliana-quinn
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: None

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Description

A delightful and comforting dish featuring tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and a rich blend of cheeses, all baked to perfection beneath a golden breadcrumb topping.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Add a tablespoon of olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat.
Combine the cooked chicken, cooked rice, cream cheese, heavy cream, mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, dried basil, oregano, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper in a large mixing bowl.
Stir in the sautéed spinach mixture to blend all flavors.
Transfer this mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Mix the breadcrumbs, melted butter, and grated Parmesan cheese in a small bowl, then sprinkle this topping over the casserole.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and bubbling.
Remove from the oven and allow it to cool for 5 minutes before serving.