Description
Creamy, cheesy, and incredibly comforting, this Classic Creamy Chicken And Spinach Casserole is the perfect easy dinner recipe. Tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich garlic cream sauce bake together under a golden layer of melted cheese creating a cozy family meal. This creamy chicken casserole works great for quick dinner ideas, comforting meal prep, and simple family dinner recipes.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts cubed
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 small yellow onion finely chopped
4 cloves garlic minced
6 cups fresh baby spinach
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg optional
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese for topping
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook seasoned chicken until lightly golden
3. Remove chicken and sauté onion until soft then add garlic
4. Add spinach and cook until wilted then remove from heat
5. In a saucepan melt butter then whisk in flour to create a roux
6. Slowly whisk in warm milk and heavy cream until the sauce thickens
7. Add Italian seasoning nutmeg crushed red pepper salt and pepper
8. Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until melted and smooth
9. Combine cooked chicken spinach mixture and cream sauce in a large bowl
10. Transfer mixture into the prepared casserole dish
11. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese
12. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until bubbly and golden
13. Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving
Notes
Use freshly shredded cheese for the best creamy melt and texture
Drain frozen spinach thoroughly to prevent a watery casserole
Rotisserie chicken can be used as a shortcut to save preparation time
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: creamy chicken casserole, chicken spinach bake, easy dinner recipe, comfort food dinner, chicken casserole