Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole | Comfort Food Classic

🎉 Introduction
When the craving for a warm, comforting, and hearty dish hits, casseroles always deliver. Among the many variations, this Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole is a standout. It’s rich, cheesy, and full of flavor while still packing in wholesome veggies like spinach and mushrooms.

This recipe is the perfect balance of indulgence and nourishment. Tender shredded chicken, earthy mushrooms, garlic, and fresh spinach are enveloped in a creamy sauce made with cream cheese, sour cream, and mozzarella. Finished in the oven until bubbly and golden, it’s the kind of dish that brings people back for seconds.

Great for weeknights, potlucks, or meal prep, this casserole is not only easy to prepare but also versatile—perfect for customizing with your favorite add-ins.

🧰 Equipment Needed

• Large skillet
• 9×13-inch casserole dish (or similar baking dish)
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cheese grater

🛒 Ingredients

Protein:

• 2 cups cooked chicken (breasts or thighs), shredded

Vegetables:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 4 cups fresh spinach (or 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained)

Dairy & Creaminess:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese

Seasonings:

• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 pinch nutmeg

👩‍🍳 Directions

Step 1: Prep Ingredients

• Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and slice the mushrooms.
• If using frozen spinach, thaw and squeeze out excess moisture.

Step 2: Cook Vegetables

• Heat a skillet over medium heat.
• Add onion and mushrooms, sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened.
• Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Add spinach and cook until wilted (if using fresh).

Step 3: Make Creamy Base

• In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg.
• Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Add Chicken & Veggies

• Stir shredded chicken and sautéed vegetables into the creamy base.
• Mix until evenly coated.

Step 5: Transfer to Casserole Dish

• Spread the chicken and spinach mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 6: Top with Cheese

• Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
• Finish with a layer of parmesan cheese.

Step 7: Bake

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until casserole is hot and bubbly with a golden top.

Step 8: Serve

• Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
• Garnish with extra parmesan or fresh parsley if desired.

🍽️ Servings & Timing

• Servings: 6 generous portions
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes

🧊 Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual servings for 2–3 minutes.

🥄 Variations

• Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice instead of pasta or potatoes.
• Extra Protein: Add cooked quinoa or white beans to the mix.
• Spicy Kick: Stir in red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
• Veggie Boost: Add zucchini, broccoli, or bell peppers.
• Gluten-Free: This casserole is naturally gluten-free.

❓ 10 FAQs

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
   • Yes, it’s a great shortcut and adds extra flavor.
2. Do I have to use fresh spinach?
   • No, frozen spinach works perfectly—just make sure to drain well.
3. What can I substitute for cream cheese?
   • Neufchâtel cheese or ricotta cheese can work as lighter alternatives.
4. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
   • Yes, assemble it, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
5. Can I freeze before baking?
   • Absolutely. Prepare and freeze, then thaw before baking.
6. What side dishes go well with this casserole?
   • A simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.
7. Can I add pasta to make it more filling?
   • Yes, mix in cooked pasta before baking for a pasta casserole version.
8. How do I keep the casserole from being watery?
   • Drain spinach thoroughly and sauté mushrooms to release moisture.
9. Can I use other cheeses?
   • Yes, cheddar, Gruyère, or provolone add different flavors.
10. Is this casserole kid-friendly?
    • Definitely! The creamy, cheesy flavor is appealing to kids.

🏁 Conclusion
This Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. With its rich, cheesy sauce, tender chicken, and nutritious spinach, it’s hearty enough for dinner yet simple to make. It’s also versatile—perfect for family meals, gatherings, or meal prep. Once you make it, this casserole will quickly become a regular in your recipe rotation.

Adam

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole | Comfort Food Classic

When the craving for a warm, comforting, and hearty dish hits, casseroles always deliver. Among the many variations, this Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole is a standout. It’s rich, cheesy, and full of flavor while still packing in wholesome veggies like spinach and mushrooms. This recipe is the perfect balance of indulgence and nourishment. Tender shredded chicken, earthy mushrooms, garlic, and fresh spinach are enveloped in a creamy sauce made with cream cheese, sour cream, and mozzarella. Finished in the oven until bubbly and golden, it’s the kind of dish that brings people back for seconds. Great for weeknights, potlucks, or meal prep, this casserole is not only easy to prepare but also versatile—perfect for customizing with your favorite add-ins.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 generous portions

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Protein:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breasts or thighs, shredded

Vegetables:

• 1 small onion diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup mushrooms sliced
• 4 cups fresh spinach or 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained

Dairy & Creaminess:

• 8 oz cream cheese softened
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese

Seasonings:

• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 pinch nutmeg

Equipment

• Large skillet
• 9×13-inch casserole dish (or similar baking dish)
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cheese grater

Method

 

Step 1: Prep Ingredients

1. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and slice the mushrooms.
2. If using frozen spinach, thaw and squeeze out excess moisture.

Step 2: Cook Vegetables

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add onion and mushrooms, sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add spinach and cook until wilted (if using fresh).

Step 3: Make Creamy Base

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg.
2. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Add Chicken & Veggies

1. Stir shredded chicken and sautéed vegetables into the creamy base.
2. Mix until evenly coated.

Step 5: Transfer to Casserole Dish

1. Spread the chicken and spinach mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 6: Top with Cheese

1. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
2. Finish with a layer of parmesan cheese.

Step 7: Bake

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until casserole is hot and bubbly with a golden top.

Step 8: Serve

1. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with extra parmesan or fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual servings for 2–3 minutes.

🥄 Variations

Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice instead of pasta or potatoes.

Extra Protein: Add cooked quinoa or white beans to the mix.

Spicy Kick: Stir in red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.

Veggie Boost: Add zucchini, broccoli, or bell peppers.

Gluten-Free: This casserole is naturally gluten-free.

❓ 10 FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, it’s a great shortcut and adds extra flavor.

Do I have to use fresh spinach?

No, frozen spinach works perfectly—just make sure to drain well.

What can I substitute for cream cheese?

Neufchâtel cheese or ricotta cheese can work as lighter alternatives.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I freeze before baking?

Absolutely. Prepare and freeze, then thaw before baking.

What side dishes go well with this casserole?

A simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.

Can I add pasta to make it more filling?

Yes, mix in cooked pasta before baking for a pasta casserole version.

How do I keep the casserole from being watery?

Drain spinach thoroughly and sauté mushrooms to release moisture.

Can I use other cheeses?

Yes, cheddar, Gruyère, or provolone add different flavors.

Is this casserole kid-friendly?

Definitely! The creamy, cheesy flavor is appealing to kids.

🏁 Conclusion
This Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. With its rich, cheesy sauce, tender chicken, and nutritious spinach, it’s hearty enough for dinner yet simple to make. It’s also versatile—perfect for family meals, gatherings, or meal prep. Once you make it, this casserole will quickly become a regular in your recipe rotation.