Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese

Creamy, comforting, and loaded with protein and greens, this Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is a cozy meal your whole family will love. Tender chicken, velvety cream cheese, and nutritious spinach come together in a baked casserole that’s easy to prep and even easier to enjoy.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Family-Friendly Comfort Food – A warm, hearty casserole perfect for busy weeknights.
• Packed with Protein & Veggies – Chicken and spinach make this both filling and nutritious.
• Ultra Creamy – Thanks to the cream cheese and melty mozzarella, it’s indulgently smooth.
• Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep time make this recipe stress-free.
• Great for Leftovers – Tastes even better the next day, and reheats beautifully.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken Mixture:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika

For the Creamy Spinach Base:

• 1 package (10 oz) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well-drained
• 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup milk (any kind)

For Topping:

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Tools You’ll Need

• Medium skillet
• Mixing bowls
• 9×13 inch casserole dish
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Aluminum foil (for covering while baking)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with a bit of olive oil or nonstick spray.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a medium skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Combine Chicken & Spinach Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, sautéed onion mixture, thawed and squeezed spinach, softened cream cheese, sour cream, milk, Parmesan, and 1 cup mozzarella.
Mix until everything is well incorporated. The cream cheese should be evenly distributed throughout.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the chicken and spinach mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish.
Sprinkle the top with the remaining ½ cup mozzarella cheese and 2 tbsp Parmesan.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove from oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired.
Serve warm as a standalone dish or with your favorite side like roasted vegetables or a light salad.

Tips for Best Results

• Use Rotisserie Chicken – A great time-saver for busy nights.
• Drain the Spinach Well – Excess water can make the casserole watery. Use paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to squeeze it dry.
• Soften Cream Cheese – Let it sit at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Make Ahead – Prepare the casserole a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Just bake when ready.
• Customize – Add mushrooms, chopped bell peppers, or even cooked broccoli for variety.

Serving Suggestions

• Garlic Bread – Perfect for scooping up every creamy bite.
• Side Salad – A crisp green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness.
• Mashed Potatoes – For a hearty comfort-food pairing.
• Roasted Veggies – Try carrots, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Casserole can be frozen before or after baking. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

• Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil.
• Microwave: Heat individual portions in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
   Yes! Sauté about 5-6 cups of fresh spinach until wilted and use it in place of frozen.
2. What’s the best substitute for sour cream?
   Greek yogurt works well and adds extra protein.
3. Can I make this dairy-free?
   Use dairy-free cream cheese, milk, and cheese alternatives, though the texture may vary.
4. Can I add pasta to make it a full meal?
   Yes, mix in 2 cups of cooked pasta before baking for a complete casserole dish.
5. What other proteins can I use?
   Shredded turkey or cooked ground chicken work well too.

Final Thoughts
This Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is everything you want in a family dinner—comforting, cheesy, and satisfying. It’s easy enough for weeknights but delicious enough to serve to guests. With its creamy texture and flavorful filling, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again.

Give it a try and don’t forget to leave a review or share your own twist. This is a go-to dish you’ll want in your weekly meal rotation!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 410 | Protein: 28g | Carbohydrates: 6g | Fat: 30g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 510mg

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