Description
This comforting Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is a creamy, cheesy baked dish perfect for a low-carb, gluten-free dinner. Packed with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a blend of creamy cheeses, it offers a rich and flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and satisfying for the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Dairy
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 5 ounces fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
Oils and Spices
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×9-inch or comparable baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Garlic and Spinach: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the chopped spinach and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the spinach is wilted. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Mix Cream Cheese Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and optional paprika. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Add Chicken and Spinach: Fold the cooked chicken and the sautéed spinach with garlic into the creamy cheese mixture, ensuring everything is evenly incorporated.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and golden around the edges.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes to set slightly before serving. This allows for easier slicing and enhanced flavor melding.
Notes
- You can substitute frozen spinach as an alternative; just make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture.
- For an extra kick of flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or incorporate cooked bacon bits into the mixture.
- This casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad or served over rice or pasta for a more substantial meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
