The Best Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe for Tonight

Creamy chicken and spinach casserole brings comfort food to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Hearty meals that warm the soul often start with simple, wholesome ingredients and a dash of culinary creativity.

Home cooks know the magic happens when familiar flavors blend seamlessly into one satisfying dish.

This casserole elevates ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience that feels like a warm embrace.

Tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and rich, velvety sauce create a harmonious medley of textures and tastes.

Families and friends gather around the table, eagerly anticipating each delectable forkful of this crowd-pleasing meal.

The combination of protein, greens, and creamy goodness promises a nutritious and indulgent dinner option.

Best Way to Store and Reheat Chicken Casserole

• Refrigerate: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it will keep fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Freeze: Carefully transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Frozen casserole maintains quality for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

Great Dishes to Serve with Creamy Spinach Chicken

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cuts through the creamy richness of the casserole, refreshing your palate with its bright, citrusy notes.
• Serve with Roasted Vegetable Side: Garlic-roasted asparagus or honey-glazed carrots complement the chicken's savory flavor and add a delightful textural contrast to the creamy dish.
• Match with Crusty Artisan Bread: Warm, rustic sourdough or herbed focaccia helps soak up the delicious cheese and spinach sauce, turning each bite into a flavor-packed experience.
• Recommend Light Salad Accompaniment: A crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a zesty, fresh counterpoint to the rich, creamy casserole, balancing the meal's overall taste profile.

Creative Twists on Chicken and Spinach Casserole

• Mediterranean Fusion: Replace Italian seasoning with dried oregano, mint, and za'atar. Top with crumbled feta cheese and serve over herbed couscous for a Greek-inspired version.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Swap Italian seasoning for chili powder and cumin. Add diced green chiles to the cream cheese mixture. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with a side of salsa.
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Substitute cream cheese with full-fat Greek yogurt. Add extra herbs like thyme and rosemary. Use cauliflower rice as a base instead of traditional sides to keep the dish low-carbohydrate friendly.
• Protein Power Boost: Incorporate diced bacon or pancetta into the spinach mixture. Mix in some cooked quinoa for added protein and texture. Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts before serving for extra crunch.

Why Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Hits the Spot

• Savor Quick Comfort: This casserole delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknight dinners that feel like a special treat.
• Elevate Simple Ingredients: Transforming basic chicken and spinach into a luxurious, creamy dish with minimal cooking skills required, making gourmet cooking accessible to everyone.
• Layer Incredible Textures: Experience the delightful contrast between tender, juicy chicken, silky wilted spinach, and perfectly melted, golden-brown cheese that creates a mouthwatering sensory experience.

Ingredients Needed for Chicken Spinach Casserole

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that needs even thickness for consistent cooking, best when fresh and boneless.
• Cream Cheese: Provides rich, creamy texture and adds smoothness to the casserole.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Adds melty, stretchy texture and savory depth to the dish, preferably freshly grated.

• Olive Oil: Helps coat chicken and prevents sticking, provides subtle flavor.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic and robust taste to the overall dish.
• Italian Seasoning: Blend of dried herbs that brings Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for basic seasoning and enhancing other ingredient flavors.

• Fresh Spinach: Adds nutritional value, vibrant color, and earthy taste to the casserole.

• Butter or Cooking Spray: Used for greasing baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Spinach Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Warm up the oven to 400°F. Lightly coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Prepare Chicken Cutlets

• Slice chicken breasts horizontally
• Use a rolling pin to flatten thicker sections
• Ensure even thickness for consistent cooking

Step 3: Create Flavor Marinade

• Olive oil
• Minced garlic
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Toss chicken in marinade and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes.

Step 4: Wilt Fresh Spinach

Heat olive oil in skillet over medium heat. Add spinach and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 5: Mix Creamy Spinach Filling

• Softened cream cheese
• Wilted spinach
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

Stir until ingredients are well combined.

Step 6: Sear Chicken (Optional)

Briefly sear chicken in skillet for 1-2 minutes per side to lock in flavors.

Step 7: Assemble Casserole

Arrange chicken in a single layer in baking dish. Spread spinach-cheese mixture over chicken.

Step 8: Add Cheese Topping

Sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese over the casserole.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 20-30 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 10: Rest and Serve

Allow casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious meal!

Tips for a Rich and Creamy Spinach Casserole

• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Let chicken soak in the seasoning mixture for at least 15 minutes to infuse deeper tastes and tenderize the meat.
• Prevent Dry Chicken: Pound chicken cutlets evenly to ensure uniform cooking and maintain moisture throughout the dish.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother blending and more even distribution in the spinach mixture.
• Avoid Watery Spinach: Gently pat wilted spinach with paper towels to remove excess moisture before mixing with cream cheese.
• Crispy Cheese Topping: Broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking to create a golden, slightly crispy cheese crust.

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken and spinach casserole brings comfort from Mediterranean kitchens, blending rich cheese, tender chicken, and nutritious greens. Wholesome ingredients meld together, creating a delightful dinner you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Cheese and Dairy:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (113 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup (50 grams) Parmesan cheese, optional

Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil, divided
• 2 cups fresh spinach

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking dish by greasing a 9×13 inch pan and heating the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Transform chicken breasts into thin, even cutlets by slicing horizontally and gently pounding with a rolling pin to equalize thickness.
3. Create a flavorful marinade by whisking olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl.
4. Immerse chicken pieces in the aromatic marinade, ensuring complete coverage, then refrigerate for a short flavor-infusing period of 15-30 minutes.
5. Wilt fresh spinach in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until leaves become tender and reduced in volume.
6. Craft a creamy filling by whipping softened cream cheese until silky smooth, then incorporating the wilted spinach, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
7. Optional: Quickly sear marinated chicken in the skillet to develop a golden exterior and seal in moisture.
8. Carefully arrange the chicken in a single layer within the prepared baking dish.
9. Generously spread the spinach-cheese mixture over each chicken piece, ensuring complete coverage.
10. Shower the casserole with remaining mozzarella cheese, creating an enticing melted topping.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes until chicken reaches perfect doneness and cheese transforms into a lightly bronzed, bubbling crust.
12. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, permitting flavors to meld and settle before serving.

Notes

• Prep Like a Pro: Pounding chicken cutlets ensures even cooking and tender meat, preventing dry edges.
• Marinate Magic: Letting chicken sit in seasoned oil enhances flavor depth and helps tenderize the protein.
• Spinach Secrets: Wilting spinach first removes excess moisture, preventing a watery casserole texture.
• Cheese Charm: Mixing different cheeses creates a rich, creamy sauce with complex flavor layers.
• Easy Meal Hack: This dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated before baking, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Temperature Tip: Use a meat thermometer to check chicken reaches 165°F internally for safe consumption.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 100mg