When you’re craving a warm, hearty dish that feels like comfort on a plate, Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese hits the mark perfectly. This creamy, cheesy casserole brings together tender chicken, sautéed spinach, and a luscious cream cheese sauce baked to perfection. It’s rich but balanced, indulgent yet easy to make—ideal for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity. I’ve made it with leftover rotisserie chicken and swapped in kale once when I ran out of spinach—it still turned out beautifully. The cream cheese adds a velvety texture that pairs perfectly with the mild flavor of chicken and the freshness of spinach. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that never disappoints.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that’s both satisfying and easy to make. It combines protein-rich chicken, nutrient-packed spinach, and a creamy, cheesy sauce into one baked masterpiece. With its simple prep and rich flavor, it’s perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or when you just want something cozy and homemade.
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Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese: A Comforting, Creamy Classic
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
A rich and comforting baked casserole made with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and creamy cream cheese sauce topped with melted cheese — a perfect low-carb, family-friendly dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or nonstick spray.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 6–8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, add spinach and cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat.
- In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until smooth.
- Add cooked chicken and spinach to the cream cheese mixture and stir to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a faster prep time.
- Frozen spinach can be substituted — thaw and drain it thoroughly before use.
- Add cooked pasta or rice for a heartier casserole.
- This dish reheats well and makes great leftovers.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Cooked chicken breast – Shredded or cubed chicken forms the hearty base of this casserole. Rotisserie chicken works perfectly.
Spinach – Fresh or frozen spinach adds color, nutrients, and a mild earthiness that balances the richness of the sauce.
Cream cheese – The secret to the creamy, decadent texture of the sauce. It melts beautifully and binds the ingredients together.
Mozzarella cheese – Melts into a bubbly, golden topping that makes the casserole irresistible.
Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty, nutty depth to the cream cheese mixture and enhances the overall flavor.
Garlic – Provides an aromatic boost that ties all the creamy and savory elements together.
Onion – Adds subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed with the garlic.
Butter – Used to sauté the aromatics and enrich the flavor of the sauce.
Heavy cream or milk – Thins the cream cheese slightly and gives the sauce a luscious consistency.
Olive oil – Helps cook the vegetables and gives the dish a subtle, flavorful base.
Salt and black pepper – Essential seasonings to balance and bring out the flavors.
Bread crumbs (optional) – Add a light, crunchy topping if you prefer a bit of texture.
Directions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the spinach: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, sautéing until fragrant and translucent. Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted. If using frozen spinach, be sure to drain it well.
- Make the creamy mixture: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Stir in the heavy cream (or milk), Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix until a smooth sauce forms.
- Assemble the casserole: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, sautéed spinach mixture, and cream cheese sauce. Stir until evenly coated.
- Layer and top: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top. If using bread crumbs, add them over the cheese for a golden crust.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and lightly golden on top.
- Serve: Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or a little extra Parmesan if desired.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This casserole serves 6 people and takes about 40 minutes total—15 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of baking. It’s hearty enough to serve as a main dish and pairs wonderfully with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals. For freezing, wrap tightly and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variations and Customizations
Keto-Friendly Version
This casserole is naturally low-carb, but you can skip the breadcrumbs to keep it strictly keto-friendly.
Mushroom and Spinach Mix
Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Bacon-Lovers’ Twist
Crumble crispy bacon on top before baking for a smoky, savory crunch.
Spicy Spinach Casserole
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give it a mild kick.
Broccoli Substitute
Swap spinach for steamed broccoli florets for a slightly different but equally tasty variation.
Cheesy Three-Blend Option
Use a mix of mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan for an extra cheesy, gooey finish.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen spinach for this recipe?
Yes, just make sure to thaw and squeeze out all excess moisture before adding it.
2. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! It’s a great time-saver and adds extra flavor.
3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it up to a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
4. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
You can, though the texture will be slightly less creamy.
5. What can I serve with this casserole?
A crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables complement it perfectly.
6. Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, it freezes very well—just cool completely before wrapping tightly.
7. Can I use kale instead of spinach?
Definitely! Just chop it finely and cook it a bit longer to soften.
8. Why is my sauce too thick?
Add a splash of milk or cream while stirring to adjust the consistency.
9. How do I make it more flavorful?
Add extra garlic, a dash of nutmeg, or more Parmesan for depth.
10. Can I add pasta to this casserole?
Yes, mix in cooked penne or rotini to turn it into a complete one-dish meal.
Conclusion
Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is the kind of dish that brings comfort and joy to any table. With its creamy texture, rich flavors, and simple preparation, it’s an easy yet elegant meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Whether you make it classic or add your own twist, this casserole will always deliver that homey, satisfying taste that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
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