Creamy Chicken & Spinach Casserole

$- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 8 oz cream cheese, softened - 1/2 cup sour cream - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup cooked pasta (penne or rotini) - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping) - 2 tablespoons olive oil The main star is the chicken. It adds protein and heartiness. You can use rotisserie chicken for ease. Spinach brings color and nutrition. It adds vitamins and a fresh taste. Cream cheese makes the casserole creamy and rich. Sour cream adds tang and depth. Mozzarella and Parmesan create a delicious cheesy top. The herbs add flavor and aroma, making each bite special. You can swap chicken for turkey or tofu for a vegetarian option. Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier choice. If you don't have mozzarella, try cheddar or gouda for a different flavor. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs. You can also skip the breadcrumbs if you want a lighter dish. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather all your ingredients. You need cooked chicken, fresh spinach, and cream cheese. Make sure your cream cheese is softened for easy mixing. Measure out the sour cream, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Don't forget the garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian herbs. Lastly, cook your pasta, like penne or rotini, until it's just right. In a large bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs. Stir until everything blends smoothly. Now, fold in the shredded chicken, chopped spinach, and cooked pasta. Sprinkle in half the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Mix gently until all the ingredients are coated well. Next, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take a greased 9x13 inch baking dish and transfer your mixture into it. Spread it out evenly. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. If you like, add breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping. Drizzle some olive oil over the breadcrumbs. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Look for bubbly edges and golden cheese on top. Once done, let it cool for a few minutes before you serve it. To keep your casserole moist, use plenty of cream cheese and sour cream. They add creaminess and flavor. Make sure to mix well so every bite has a bit of sauce. If you bake it too long, the dish may dry out. Keep an eye on the time. Bake at 375°F for 25 to 30 minutes. The casserole should be bubbly and golden on top. For a rich, creamy texture, mozzarella and Parmesan work great. Mozzarella melts well and gives a stretchy feel. Parmesan adds a nice salty kick. If you love more cheese, feel free to add extra mozzarella. Other good options include cheddar or gouda. These can give a different flavor and texture. Serve your casserole warm and fresh from the oven. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil on top makes it look great. Pair it with a light salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. You can also add a squeeze of lemon for brightness. This simple touch can elevate the whole dish. Enjoy your meal with family or friends for the best experience! Pro Tips Perfectly Shredded Chicken: For the best texture, use leftover rotisserie chicken or poach chicken breasts until fully cooked, then shred them with two forks. Fresh Spinach Tip: If using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture in the casserole. Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or gouda for unique flavors, or use a blend of cheeses for added depth. Make-Ahead Option: This casserole can be assembled a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve! {{image_2}} You can switch out the chicken for other proteins. Try turkey for a leaner option. Shrimp can add a nice seafood twist. For a heartier bite, use ground beef or sausage. Just make sure to cook these proteins first. They should blend well with the creamy mix. To make this dish vegetarian, skip the chicken. Use more spinach or add mushrooms. Zucchini or bell peppers can also work well. For extra protein, consider adding chickpeas or quinoa. These swaps keep the dish filling and tasty. You can boost the flavor in many ways. Add crushed red pepper for some heat. A splash of lemon juice brightens the mix. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme add freshness. If you love cheese, try adding feta or goat cheese for a tangy kick. To keep your Chicken and Spinach Cream Cheese Casserole fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This helps prevent bacteria growth. It will last for about three to four days in the fridge. If you have leftovers, be sure to label the container with the date. When reheating, you want to keep it moist. Place the casserole in a baking dish. Add a splash of water or broth to avoid dryness. Cover it with foil to trap steam. Heat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot. To freeze, let the casserole cool completely. Cut it into portions for easier thawing. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above for the best results. Yes, you can make this casserole ahead. Just prepare it as the recipe states. After mixing, cover the dish and put it in the fridge. You can keep it there for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, take it out and let it sit for a bit. This helps it cook more evenly. Preheat your oven and bake as directed. This casserole pairs well with several sides. Here are some great ideas: - A light salad with vinaigrette - Steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans - Crusty bread for dipping - Garlic bread for a tasty twist These sides add freshness and balance to the creamy dish. To check if your casserole is done, look for a few signs. First, the cheese on top should be golden brown. Second, the edges should bubble. Lastly, insert a knife in the center. If it comes out hot, it’s ready. Let it cool for a few minutes before you serve. This helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to slice. This blog covered all the key parts of making a tasty casserole. We talked about the ingredients, from key items to easy swaps. You learned simple, step-by-step instructions for preparing your dish. I shared valuable tips to avoid dryness and enhance flavors. We also explored storage methods and answered common questions. Casseroles are fun, easy meals to make. With practice, you can create many tasty variations. Enjoy cooking!$

Creamy Chicken & Spinach Casserole

A delicious and comforting casserole featuring shredded chicken, fresh spinach, and creamy cheeses, topped with a crunchy breadcrumb layer.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
8 oz cream cheese, softened
0.5 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
0.5 teaspoon onion powder
0.5 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil)
to taste salt and pepper
1 cup cooked pasta (penne or rotini)
0.5 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well blended.
Fold in the shredded chicken, chopped spinach, cooked pasta, half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Stir until everything is evenly coated with the cream cheese mixture.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top. If desired, add breadcrumbs for an extra crunch. Drizzle olive oil over the breadcrumbs.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color. Enjoy accompanied by a light salad or crusty bread on the side!

Keyword casserole, cheese, chicken, creamy, spinach