Name: Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces); 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 small yellow onion (diced); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups milk; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 4 oz cream cheese (softened); 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 4 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped); 2 cups cooked pasta (such as penne or rotini); 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

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If you’re searching for your next go-to comfort food, look no further than this Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table, filled with tender chicken, velvety sauce, plenty of fresh spinach, and cheesy pasta—all cozied up together in a bubbling bake. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or family gathering, this casserole always delivers that homey, irresistible flavor that makes you want seconds (and maybe thirds!).

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole is how each ingredient adds its own important role, layering flavor, richness, and a pop of color. While the list looks straightforward, every component truly matters to create the creamy, cheesy, and hearty casserole we all crave.

Olive oil: Adds a rich base and helps lock juiciness into the chicken as it sautés.
Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Lean but tender, it absorbs every ounce of the savory sauce, making the casserole hearty and satisfying.
Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that amplify the natural flavors of every ingredient throughout the dish.
Yellow onion: Gives a savory-sweet foundation and depth to the sauce with every sautéed bite.
Garlic: The cornerstone of comfort in casseroles—a few cloves go a long way to boost warmth and aroma.
All-purpose flour: Acts as a key thickener for the sauce, giving it that luscious, spoon-coating texture.
Milk: Provides the creamy body of the sauce—whole milk is ideal but any type Main Course.
Chicken broth: Adds savory depth, ensuring the sauce is flavorful and not too heavy.
Cream cheese: Softens beautifully into the sauce, giving it a tangy silkiness that sets this casserole apart.
Sour cream: Lends slight tang and extra creaminess—it balances the richness of the cheeses so perfectly.
Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs infuses the sauce with classic, aromatic notes.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle kick—just enough to wake up your palate without overpowering.
Fresh spinach: Brings vibrant color, nutrients, and a touch of earthiness that lightens up the whole casserole.
Cooked pasta (penne or rotini): The base that soaks up the sauce and ties everything together in every creamy forkful.
Parmesan cheese: Nutty and salty, it melds into the sauce and crisps up on top for a golden finish.
Mozzarella cheese: Delivers that stretchy, gooey cheese pull everyone hopes for in a casserole.

How to Make Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Taking this step ensures your Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole will bake evenly. Meanwhile, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so nothing sticks and every last bit is easy to serve.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add in the chicken pieces and season them with the salt and pepper. Let them cook, stirring occasionally, for around 6 to 7 minutes—you’re looking for them to be browned and completely cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate or bowl and set it aside for now.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

Using the same skillet (no need to wash—those browned bits add flavor!), toss in the diced onion. Sauté until the onions turn soft and start to become translucent, about 3 minutes. Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just 30 seconds—the aroma will be irresistible!

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Sprinkle the flour over your onion and garlic mixture, stirring well to coat everything. This is the start of your roux, so keep stirring for a minute to cook out the raw taste of the flour. Then, slowly pour in the milk and chicken broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it thicken for 3 to 4 minutes until it feels glossy and luxurious.

Step 5: Add Cheeses and Spinach

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cream cheese and sour cream. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and the optional red pepper flakes for extra zip. Stir until the cheese and cream have completely melted into the sauce and it’s smooth. Finally, pile in the chopped spinach and cook just until it’s wilted and a beautiful bold green.

Step 6: Combine and Layer

Now add your cooked pasta and reserved chicken to the skillet. Give it all a gentle stir to make sure every piece is coated with that glorious creamy sauce. Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, smoothing it into an even layer.

Step 7: Top and Bake

Evenly sprinkle the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses across the top for maximum golden, cheesy bubbles. Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the cheese is lightly browned. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving so every scoop holds together beautifully.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole

Garnishes

Finish Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil for a fresh pop of color and a whisper of herbal brightness. If you love a little crunch, try scattering some toasted breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top just before serving.

Side Dishes

This casserole shines alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the creamy richness. Steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or simple roasted carrots are all wonderful for adding a burst of color and nutrition to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special touch, serve portions of Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole in individual ramekins for dinner parties. Or, scoop it into hollowed-out roasted bell peppers for an edible bowl that’s both pretty and fun. You could even turn leftovers into a filling for stuffed baked potatoes—truly decadent!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole stores wonderfully. Simply cover the cooled casserole tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld and become even cozier as it rests.

Freezing

This casserole is a champion for meal prep! Wrap individual portions or the entire dish securely in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months. Allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

For the most luscious results, reheat individual servings in the microwave, covering them lightly so the sauce doesn’t dry out. For larger portions, pop the casserole dish back in the oven at 350°F, covered, until heated through. Add an extra sprinkle of cheese on top if you’re feeling indulgent!

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie or leftover chicken?

Absolutely! If you have cooked chicken on hand, just chop or shred it and add it in where the recipe asks for cooked chicken. This shortcut makes Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole even quicker to prepare.

How can I make this casserole lighter?

Swap the sour cream for nonfat Greek yogurt and use reduced-fat cream cheese and mozzarella. You’ll still enjoy a creamy texture with fewer calories, and nobody will miss a thing.

Is it okay to use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes! Thaw and squeeze out as much liquid as possible from frozen spinach before adding it to avoid a watery casserole. It’s a handy shortcut, especially when fresh spinach isn’t in season.

What pasta shapes work best?

Sturdy pastas such as penne, rotini, or rigatoni grab onto the creamy sauce and don’t fall apart while baking. Small shells also make a fun alternative if you want even more nooks and crannies for the sauce.

Can I make Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole ahead of time?

Definitely! Assemble the casserole up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate for up to a day. When you’re ready, pop it in the oven and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes since it’ll be cold from the fridge.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole is soul-warming comfort food at its finest. Every bite is packed with flavor, coziness, and a welcome helping of greens. I truly hope you give it a try—your kitchen will smell irresistible, and everyone at your table is bound to ask for the recipe!

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy goodness of this Chicken and Spinach Casserole, a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner. Tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and pasta all come together in a luscious sauce topped with melted cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce:

1 small yellow onion (diced)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup chicken broth
4 oz cream cheese (softened)
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Additional Ingredients:

4 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
2 cups cooked pasta (such as penne or rotini)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

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Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet, add chicken, season, and cook until browned. Set aside.
Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, cook onion and garlic, then add flour, milk, and broth. Simmer until thickened. Stir in cream cheese, sour cream, seasonings, and spinach.
Combine Ingredients: Mix in pasta and chicken. Transfer to a baking dish.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle Parmesan and mozzarella on top.
Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden.
Serve: Let it rest before serving.