Cozy Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe

Creamy chicken and spinach casserole blends comfort with culinary creativity in a dish that surprises every palate.

Cheese lovers will appreciate the rich, velvety texture melting through tender chicken pieces.

Leafy spinach adds depth and nutrition to this hearty meal.

Weeknight dinners just became more exciting with this simple yet impressive recipe.

Home cooks can easily assemble these ingredients in minutes, creating a crowd-pleasing main course.

Layers of flavor promise a satisfying experience you won’t want to miss.

Start mixing and baking to discover your new favorite family dinner.

Tasty Pairings For Chicken And Spinach Casserole With Cream Cheese

• Savor with Crisp White Wine: Pair this creamy chicken casserole with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. The wine's bright acidity cuts through the rich, velvety texture of the dish, creating a refreshing balance that enhances every bite.
• Crunch with Garlic Bread: Serve alongside toasted garlic bread or crusty artisan bread. The crispy, garlicky slices provide a perfect textural contrast to the smooth, cheesy casserole and help soak up all the delicious sauce.
• Brighten with Fresh Salad: Complement the hearty casserole with a light, zesty mixed green salad topped with a tangy vinaigrette. The crisp, fresh greens and acidic dressing will cleanse the palate and add a vibrant element to the meal.
• Cool with Cucumber Slaw: Add a side of cool, crunchy cucumber slaw dressed in a light yogurt dressing. Its refreshing crunch and subtle tanginess will balance the rich, creamy flavors of the chicken and spinach casserole.

New Twists For Chicken And Spinach Casserole With Cream Cheese

• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Replace red pepper flakes with fresh chopped Mediterranean herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary for a botanical flavor profile. Add crumbled feta cheese on top for authentic Greek-inspired taste.
• Spicy Southwestern Kick: Incorporate diced green chiles, swap mozzarella for pepper jack cheese, and mix in cumin and chili powder. Top with crispy tortilla strips for extra crunch and southwestern flair.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Fusion: Substitute chicken with cauliflower rice and add extra protein through diced turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken. Reduce cream cheese quantity and increase vegetable content for a lighter version.
• Smoky Bacon Lover's Version: Crumble crispy bacon pieces throughout the casserole and sprinkle smoked paprika for depth. Include diced roasted bell peppers to enhance the smoky flavor profile and add colorful complexity.

FAQs For Chicken And Spinach Casserole With Cream Cheese

• What makes this chicken and spinach casserole special?

This casserole combines creamy cream cheese, multiple cheeses, and tender chicken with nutritious spinach, creating a rich and satisfying meal that’s both comforting and flavorful.

• Is this recipe good for people watching their diet?

While delicious, this dish is high in calories and fat due to cream cheese, sour cream, and multiple cheeses. It’s best enjoyed in moderation as an occasional indulgent meal.

• Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw frozen spinach completely and squeeze out all excess moisture before adding it to the cream cheese mixture to prevent a watery casserole.

• What protein alternatives work well in this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken, leftover grilled chicken, or even turkey can be substituted for the chicken. For a vegetarian option, try using white beans or tofu as a protein replacement.

Why Chicken And Spinach Casserole With Cream Cheese Is So Satisfying

• Quick Weeknight Rescue: This casserole saves dinner in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families needing a delicious meal without complex cooking techniques.
• Creamy Comfort in One Dish: Packed with rich cream cheese, multiple cheeses, and tender chicken, the recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal kitchen effort and cleanup.
• Nutritional Powerhouse Disguised as Comfort Food: Spinach provides hidden nutrients while the protein-packed chicken makes this meal satisfying and balanced for health-conscious eaters.
• Adaptable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily customizable for different dietary preferences by swapping chicken, adjusting spice levels, or adding extra vegetables for personalized nutrition.

Ingredients You’ll Need For Chicken And Spinach Casserole With Cream Cheese

• Chicken: Lean protein that adds substance and flavor to the casserole.
• Spinach: Nutrient-dense green that provides color and earthy taste.

• Cream Cheese: Smooth base that creates rich and creamy texture.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and helps bind ingredients together.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp cheese that enhances overall flavor profile.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melty cheese that provides stretchy, golden topping.
• Heavy Cream: Adds extra richness and helps create smooth consistency.

• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that brings depth to the dish.
• Onion Powder: Provides subtle onion flavor without chunky texture.
• Salt: Essential for balancing and enhancing other flavors.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and traditional seasoning.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces optional spicy kick.
• Parsley or Basil: Fresh herb for optional garnish and bright flavor.

Steps To Make Chicken And Spinach Casserole With Cream Cheese

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9×9-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Dreamy Cheese Blend

• Softened cream cheese
• Sour cream
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Heavy cream
• Minced garlic
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Red pepper flakes

Whisk everything together until the mixture becomes silky smooth and all ingredients are perfectly incorporated.

Step 3: Mix in the Protein and Greens

• Cooked and shredded chicken
• Chopped fresh spinach

Stir gently until the chicken and spinach are completely coated with the creamy cheese mixture. Transfer the entire concoction to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle an extra handful of mozzarella cheese on top for that irresistible golden crust.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are bubbling and the cheese on top turns a gorgeous golden brown with crispy edges.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Carefully remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the dish to set and makes serving easier. If you’re feeling fancy, scatter some fresh chopped parsley or basil on top for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Tips That Help With Chicken And Spinach Casserole With Cream Cheese

• Cheese Selection Flexibility: Swap mozzarella and Parmesan with your favorite cheeses like cheddar or gouda for a personalized flavor profile.
• Perfect Protein Swap: Replace chicken with rotisserie chicken, turkey, or tofu to accommodate different dietary preferences and protein needs.
• Veggie Volume Boost: Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to increase nutrition and create more texture in the casserole.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat tolerance, or eliminate completely for a milder dish that suits sensitive palates.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking, making meal prep easier and more convenient.

How To Store Chicken And Spinach Casserole With Cream Cheese Easily

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Seal the casserole tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain its creamy texture.
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Avoid freezing this dish, as cream cheese-based sauces tend to separate and lose their smooth consistency when thawed.
• For best results, enjoy the casserole fresh or within a few days of preparation.

Chicken And Spinach Casserole With Cream Cheese Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy chicken and spinach casserole delivers comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen with rich, velvety layers of tender protein and leafy greens. Hearty ingredients blend into a mouthwatering meal perfect for family dinners that nourish both body and soul.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Vegetable Base:

• 2 cups (473 ml) cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 2 cups (56 g) fresh spinach, chopped (or 1 cup (227 g) frozen spinach, thawed and drained)

Cheese and Cream Components:

• 1 (8 ounces/227 grams) block cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (120 ml/113 grams) sour cream
• ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup (56 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
• ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream (or milk)

Seasonings and Spices:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Optional Garnish:

• Chopped parsley or fresh basil

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by warming it to 375F (190C) and delicately coating a 9-inch baking vessel with a light protective layer to prevent sticking.
2. Create a luxurious blending of creamy ingredients by whisking together softened cream cheese, tangy sour cream, robust Parmesan, melty mozzarella, rich heavy cream, aromatic garlic, pungent onion powder, and a harmonious blend of salt, black pepper, and zesty red pepper flakes until the mixture reaches a silky, uniform consistency.
3. Transform the base mixture into a hearty casserole by gently folding in tender, pre-cooked chicken pieces and vibrant, finely chopped spinach, ensuring each morsel is generously enrobed with the creamy sauce.
4. Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a smooth surface, then crown the casserole with an additional generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese for a golden, bubbling finish.
5. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and allow it to bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for the telltale signs of culinary perfection: a bubbling perimeter and a beautifully bronzed cheese topping.
6. Once removed from the oven, permit the casserole to rest and settle for a brief 5-minute interval, allowing flavors to meld and the dish to stabilize before serving, with an optional garnish of fresh parsley or fragrant basil to elevate the presentation.

Notes

• Swap chicken with tofu or plant-based protein to create a vegetarian version that maintains the creamy, comforting texture.
• Reduce heavy cream and replace with Greek yogurt for a lighter, lower-calorie alternative without sacrificing richness.
• Add cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles underneath the casserole to boost vegetable content and create a more substantial low-carb meal.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time and assemble the casserole earlier in the day, refrigerating until ready to bake for convenient meal planning.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg