Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole

There’s something about a creamy chicken and spinach casserole that makes you feel like you’re getting a warm hug from your grandmother, right? Just imagine the rich, velvety sauce, the tender chicken pieces swimming in a sea of vibrant green spinach, and that tantalizing aroma wafting through your kitchen. It’s the comforting dish perfect for chilly evenings or those lazy Sunday afternoons when you don’t want to leave the couch but have a serious hunger that needs addressing.

This casserole is more than just a meal it’s an experience, a delightful journey of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. Personally, I remember the first time I served this dish during a family gathering. Everyone’s eyes lit up as they took their first bite. The laughter and compliments flowed as freely as the wine. Trust me you’ll want to whip up this creamy delight soon

I can still hear my cousin rave about how she’d happily trade her dessert for another helping of this casserole

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 pieces for a hearty casserole that feeds the whole family.
• Fresh Spinach: Opt for fresh spinach for better texture and flavor frozen can release excess water.
• Heavy Cream: This ingredient gives the casserole its signature creaminess don’t skimp here
• Garlic Powder: A must-have for depth of flavor fresh garlic works too if you prefer stronger notes.
• Cheddar Cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar melts beautifully and adds a savory richness.
• Pasta (like Penne or Rotini): Choose your favorite shape pasta serves as the comforting base of this dish.
• Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels while enhancing overall flavor.
• Onion Powder: Adds sweetness and depth it blends seamlessly into the creamy sauce.
• Paprika: For a hint of smokiness and color, smoked paprika is my go-to choice

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, grab your baking dish and spray it with nonstick cooking spray.

Sauté Chicken Pieces: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté diced chicken until golden brown. Keep stirring until they are cooked through for about 7-10 minutes.

Add Spinach & Seasonings: Once the chicken is done, toss in fresh spinach along with garlic powder and onion powder. Cook until the spinach wilts beautifully a few minutes should do

Create Your Creamy Sauce: In a bowl, mix heavy cream with chicken broth and paprika. Pour this delightful concoction over your chicken and spinach mixture in the skillet.

Add Pasta & Cheese : Stir in cooked pasta and half of the shredded cheese into the skillet until everything is well coated. It should look irresistibly creamy at this point

Bake to Perfection : Transfer everything into your prepared baking dish. Top with remaining cheese and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.

Enjoy digging into this creamy chicken and spinach casserole that not only fills bellies but also warms hearts

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken until golden brown, then sauté the spinach while preparing the creamy sauce for optimal flavor infusion.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out spinach for kale or add mushrooms for extra earthiness. Experiment with herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Sharing my first attempt at this dish was a hilarious experience it turned into a gooey mess, but everyone loved it anyway

FAQ

What can I substitute for chicken in this casserole?

You can use cooked turkey or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely Assemble it a day ahead and bake when ready.

How do I prevent my casserole from becoming too dry?

Cover with foil while baking and check moisture levels during cooking to ensure creaminess.

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Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole

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Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and a luscious creamy sauce topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for chilly evenings or busy weeknights, this casserole is a delightful meal that warms the heart and satisfies your cravings. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s sure to become a family favorite that you’ll want to make again and again.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini)
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté diced chicken until golden brown (7-10 minutes).
3. Add fresh spinach, garlic powder, and onion powder; cook until spinach wilts.
4. In a bowl, combine heavy cream, chicken broth, and paprika; pour over chicken mixture.
5. Stir in cooked pasta and half of the cheddar cheese until well combined.
6. Transfer to the prepared baking dish, top with remaining cheese, and bake for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: For added flavor, consider incorporating herbs like thyme or rosemary. Swap spinach for kale or include mushrooms for extra earthiness. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.