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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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