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If you’re craving a comforting dish that shines with rich, creamy flavors and a vibrant pop of green, then this Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Mozzarella and Parmesan Recipe is going to become your new go-to favorite. It’s a luscious blend of tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a dreamy cream cheese base, all topped with bubbling mozzarella and Parmesan that bake into a golden crown of perfection. This casserole isn’t just simple to prepare; it’s a true crowd-pleaser that wraps you up in cozy satisfaction with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe is straightforward but plays a vital role in building the creamy texture, savory depth, and fresh color that make this casserole so irresistible. From the creamy cheeses to the fragrant garlic and bright spinach, everything comes together to deliver a harmonious, hearty dish.
- 3 cups cooked chicken: Shredded or cubed, this provides a tender and protein-packed base.
- 8 oz cream cheese: Softened for easy mixing and that luscious creamy texture every casserole dreams of.
- ½ cup sour cream: Adds a subtle tang and extra creaminess to balance the richness.
- ½ cup mayonnaise: Boosts moisture and smoothness throughout the dish.
- 2 cloves garlic: Minced for a fragrant, savory punch that awakens the flavors.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Keeps the casserole moist and infused with gentle savory notes.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing garlic and spinach, adding a mild fruity undertone.
- 10 oz fresh spinach: Chopped and sautéed to bring fresh green goodness and a tender bite.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully with a mild, creamy taste.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, salty sharpness that elevates every forkful.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds subtle depth without overpowering the other ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Infuses the casserole with a hint of herbal brightness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all flavors.
- Optional: ¼ cup breadcrumbs: For a crunchy, golden topping that adds delightful texture.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Mozzarella and Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Sauté
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about one minute until you can smell that heady aroma filling your kitchen. This small but mighty step sets the tone for the casserole’s depth of flavor.
Step 2: Wilt the Spinach
Add the chopped fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, which usually takes just a few minutes. The spinach will shrink considerably but delivers vibrant color and fresh earthiness in every creamy bite. Once wilted, remove it from heat and allow it to cool slightly so it doesn’t curdle the creamy cheese mixture later.
Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and chicken broth with onion powder, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until smooth and silky—this is the heart of the creaminess that will hold your casserole together and keep each forkful wonderfully moist.
Step 4: Fold in Chicken and Spinach
Gently stir the cooked chicken and sautéed spinach into the cream mixture, making sure each piece is coated with that luscious sauce. This step is where the flavors start to get cozy with one another, promising a cohesive dish with bursts of chicken and tender greens throughout.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the creamy chicken and spinach mixture into a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish. Spread it out evenly to ensure every bite gets a perfect balance of ingredients. Then, in a separate bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella with the grated Parmesan and sprinkle this cheese blend generously over the top of the casserole.
Step 6: Optional Crunchy Topping and Baking
If you love a slightly crunchy top, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese layer for an irresistible golden crust. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until you see the cheese bubbling and turning a gorgeous golden brown. This visual cue lets you know that all the flavors have beautifully melded together.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Once baked, allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before diving in. This resting time helps the casserole set so you can serve neat, flavorful portions with ease. It’s the perfect moment to grab your favorite plates and get ready for pure comfort food bliss.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Mozzarella and Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or a few basil leaves on top just before serving to add a fresh burst of color that contrasts beautifully with the golden cheese topping. A little cracked black pepper over the top also adds a final layer of inviting aroma and flavor.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with simple, refreshing sides such as a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette, roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts, or even some crusty garlic bread to soak up every last drop of the creamy goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the casserole straight from the dish for cozy family dinners, or use individual ramekins for a refined and personalized touch at dinner parties. You can also scoop generous portions over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa to add another comforting dimension.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover casserole in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for an even tastier meal when reheated.
Freezing
This Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Mozzarella and Parmesan Recipe freezes beautifully. Transfer cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or wrap the entire casserole dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 2–3 minutes, or warm the whole casserole in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) until heated through, usually about 20 minutes. Cover with foil if reheating a whole dish to prevent the top from browning too much.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the frozen spinach before adding it to avoid a watery casserole.
What type of chicken works best in this casserole?
Leftover cooked chicken breast or rotisserie chicken works brilliantly. You want it shredded or cubed so it mixes well with the creamy sauce.
Is this casserole freezer-friendly after baking?
It’s best to freeze the casserole before baking for optimal texture. However, you can freeze leftovers if stored properly, but reheated casserole texture might be slightly softer.
Can I substitute the cream cheese?
You could try using ricotta for a lighter texture, but the iconic creaminess of this recipe depends heavily on cream cheese, so changes might alter the rich consistency.
What can I add if I want it spicier?
Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or mixing in some chopped jalapeños with the spinach will give the casserole a nice kick without overshadowing its creamy goodness.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Mozzarella and Parmesan Recipe is pure comfort food magic, effortlessly combining creamy, cheesy, and fresh elements in a way that warms your whole heart. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking to impress guests with something cozy yet elegant, this casserole has your back. Trust me, once you try this dish, it will become a beloved staple in your recipe rotation—so go ahead, dig in and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
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Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Mozzarella and Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 50m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is a creamy, savory baked dish that combines tender cooked chicken, fresh sautéed spinach, and a rich blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and optionally crunchy breadcrumbs, it makes a comforting and hearty meal perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 10 oz fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: 1/4 cup breadcrumbs for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, to infuse the oil with flavor.
- Cook Spinach: Add chopped spinach to the skillet and sauté until wilted. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly, which prevents the cream cheese mixture from becoming too hot when combined.
- Mix Cream Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, chicken broth, onion powder, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the cooked chicken and the sautéed spinach. Mix everything well to ensure even distribution of ingredients throughout the casserole.
- Prepare Casserole Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish and pour in the chicken and spinach mixture. Spread it out evenly to create a uniform layer.
- Add Cheese Topping: In a separate bowl, mix together shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this cheese mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Optional Breadcrumb Topping: If using, evenly sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese for added crunch and texture.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown, indicating it’s fully cooked and deliciously melted.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to set, making it easier to serve and allowing flavors to meld.
Notes
- For a crispier topping, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking; just increase baking time by a few minutes if baking from cold.
- Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the dish gluten-free if desired.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3-4 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
