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Here is the complete list of ingredients you will need for the Chicken and Spinach Cream Cheese Casserole: - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 8 oz cream cheese, softened at room temperature - 1/2 cup sour cream - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided) - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (a blend of oregano and basil) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup cooked pasta (penne or rotini works well) - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping, preferably Italian seasoned) - 2 tablespoons olive oil Each ingredient plays a key role in the flavor and texture of this dish. You want the cooked chicken to be tender and shredded for easy mixing. Fresh spinach adds color and nutrients. Cream cheese and sour cream create a rich, creamy texture. The mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses provide a gooey, cheesy top. Garlic and onion powders enhance the flavor, while dried Italian herbs bring a lovely aroma. Don’t forget the salt and pepper; they are essential for seasoning! The cooked pasta binds the ingredients together, making every bite satisfying. If you want a crunchy topping, the breadcrumbs are a great choice. A drizzle of olive oil boosts the flavor and helps crisp up the top. Gather these ingredients, and you're already on your way to a delicious casserole! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key. A hot oven helps cook your casserole evenly and makes the cheese melt perfectly. In a large bowl, combine 8 oz of softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup of sour cream. Add 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs. Sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until smooth. This creamy mixture gives your casserole its rich flavor. Gently fold in 2 cups of shredded chicken, 2 cups of roughly chopped spinach, 1 cup of cooked pasta, and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Stir carefully until everything is evenly coated in the creamy mixture. This step ensures every bite is packed with flavor. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly. This helps it bake evenly. Then, layer the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top. If you want a crunchy topping, sprinkle on 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the breadcrumbs for added flavor. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the casserole bubbles and the cheese is golden brown. This is the moment you’ve been waiting for! Once it’s done, remove the casserole from the oven. Let it cool for about 5 minutes. This cooling time helps the flavors settle. It also makes serving easier. Serve warm, and enjoy your delicious chicken and spinach cream cheese casserole! To get that perfect creamy texture, mixing is key. Start with soft cream cheese and sour cream. This makes it easy to blend. Use a spatula or whisk to mix. Stir until smooth to avoid lumps. Add spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian herbs next. This helps the flavors blend well. After that, gently fold in the chicken, spinach, and pasta. Be careful not to break the chicken. You want nice, big pieces. Finally, add half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This keeps things creamy and cheesy. You can change this dish in many fun ways! Add cooked mushrooms or bell peppers for more flavor. You can also use different types of cheese. Try cheddar or feta for a twist. For extra crunch, add nuts like pine nuts or walnuts. If you want a spicy kick, mix in some red pepper flakes. You can even switch the pasta type. Use gluten-free pasta or skip it entirely for a low-carb dish. This casserole is great on its own, but pairing it with sides makes it better! A fresh salad adds crunch and brightness. Try mixing spinach, tomatoes, and cucumbers for a simple side. You can also serve it with crusty bread. This helps soak up the creamy sauce. For a more filling meal, add garlic bread or breadsticks. Don't forget to garnish your casserole. Fresh parsley or basil makes it look nice and adds flavor! Pro Tips Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker preparation, consider using store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own. It saves time and adds extra flavor. Mix Up the Greens: While spinach is delicious, you can also incorporate other greens like kale or Swiss chard for added nutrients and variety in flavor. Experiment with Cheeses: Feel free to mix different cheeses, such as cheddar or gouda, to create a unique flavor profile that suits your taste preferences. Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to rest for about 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps the layers set, making it easier to serve and enhancing the overall flavor. {{image_4}} For those with gluten or dairy issues, don't worry! You can make simple swaps. - Use gluten-free pasta instead of regular pasta. - Choose dairy-free cream cheese and sour cream. - Substitute mozzarella with a dairy-free cheese. These changes keep the dish tasty without the gluten or dairy. You can still enjoy a creamy chicken and spinach casserole! Want to jazz up your casserole? Try adding different herbs and spices. - Use fresh basil or thyme for a bright taste. - Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. - Mix in a pinch of smoked paprika for depth. These small changes can make your casserole unique and exciting! If chicken isn't your thing, you can switch it out. - Ground turkey is a great substitute. - For a vegetarian option, use chickpeas or lentils. - You can also add tofu for protein. These options allow everyone to enjoy this dish, no matter their diet! Store leftover casserole in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge. This keeps it fresh for up to 3 days. Make sure the casserole cools down before covering it. That helps avoid steam build-up, which can make it soggy. You can freeze the casserole for longer storage. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then cover with foil. This keeps out air and prevents freezer burn. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-40 minutes. Check that it's heated through before serving. The casserole stays good in the fridge for about 3 days. If frozen, it can last up to 3 months. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. If it smells off or looks strange, toss it out. Storing your casserole properly ensures you enjoy every bite! Yes, you can use rotisserie chicken. Using pre-cooked chicken saves you time and effort. It adds great flavor and makes the dish even easier to prepare. Just shred the chicken and mix it right in. You will not lose any taste! You can try Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, or ricotta cheese. These alternatives can give a creamy texture too. If you want a dairy-free option, use cashew cream or tofu. Each choice will change the taste a bit, so pick what you like best! Look for bubbling around the edges and a golden top. The cheese should melt and get a little crispy. You can also use a knife to check inside. If it feels hot and the mixture is set, it’s ready! Yes, you can prep this casserole ahead of time. Just mix all the ingredients and store them in the fridge. Cover it tightly to keep it fresh. When you are ready, bake it straight from the fridge. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time! This blog post explored how to make a creamy chicken and spinach casserole. We detailed the ingredients and step-by-step instructions, making it easy to follow. I shared tips for a perfect texture and variations for dietary needs. Proper storage methods keep leftovers fresh longer. Remember, cooking should be fun and a chance to be creative. Enjoy the process of making this dish and share it with others. You'll find it a hit at your table!

Creamy Chicken & Spinach Casserole

A delicious and creamy casserole featuring shredded chicken, fresh spinach, and a blend of cheeses, perfect for a comforting meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

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

Instructions
 

  • Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it's hot and ready for your casserole.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using a spatula or whisk until the mixture is smooth and well integrated.
  • Gently fold in the shredded chicken, roughly chopped spinach, cooked pasta, half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Stir thoughtfully until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
  • Carefully transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure an even bake.
  • Evenly sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole. If you desire an extra crunch, you can add the breadcrumbs on top. Drizzle the olive oil over the breadcrumbs for enhanced flavor and crispiness.
  • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is beautifully golden brown.
  • Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This will help the flavors settle and make it easier to serve.

Notes

Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley or basil. Pairs well with a light salad or crusty artisan bread.
Keyword casserole, cheese, chicken, creamy, spinach