Description
This Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family dinners or quick weeknight meals. Featuring tender shredded chicken, fresh spinach, and a creamy blend of cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan, this casserole is both satisfying and delicious. You can even add rice for extra texture or make it vegetarian by swapping the chicken for quinoa. Simple, versatile, and packed with flavor, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
1 cup cooked rice (optional, for added texture)
1 tbsp melted butter (for greasing)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×9-inch casserole dish with melted butter.
- Sauté Onion & Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Cook Spinach: Stir in chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Remove skillet from heat and set aside.
- Mix Creamy Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Add shredded chicken, sautéed spinach, and optional cooked rice (if using) to the creamy sauce. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Bake Casserole: Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Garnish & Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley (optional). Let sit for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Substitute Ingredients: You can replace sour cream with Greek yogurt or extra cream cheese. For a vegetarian version, use quinoa or lentils in place of the chicken.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Freezing: This casserole can be frozen for up to 3 months. Be sure to let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish Casserole Comfort Food
- Method: Baking Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 330 kcal
