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To make a tasty Creamy Spinach Chicken Casserole, gather these items: - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 2 cups fresh spinach - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 cup cooked pasta (penne or rotini works well) Using fresh and high-quality ingredients makes a big difference. For the chicken, use freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken. Fresh spinach adds a nice color and taste. Cream cheese and ricotta should be full-fat for a rich flavor. Choose good-quality cheeses for that perfect melt. Fresh garlic gives a stronger taste than the powdered kind. Always check the expiration dates on your dairy products. You can swap some ingredients if needed. For the chicken, try cooked turkey or even tofu for a plant-based option. You can use frozen spinach if fresh isn't available, just thaw and drain it well. Cream cheese can be replaced with Greek yogurt for a lighter option. If you want a different cheese, try cheddar or gouda instead of mozzarella. For pasta, any shape you like will work, such as fusilli or farfalle. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This makes sure the oven is ready when you need it. 2. Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want it hot but not smoking. 3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté it for about 1 minute until you smell the garlic. 4. Toss in the fresh spinach. Cook it for 3-4 minutes until it wilts down. Stir it often so it cooks evenly. 5. In a big mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, wilted spinach, ricotta cheese, and cream cheese. 6. Add half of the mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until it’s well blended. 7. Gently fold in the cooked pasta and halved cherry tomatoes. This helps distribute the flavors. 8. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly for even cooking. 9. Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese on top. This adds a nice cheesy crust. 10. Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake it for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil. 11. Bake for another 15 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. - Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to serve. - For a pop of color, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil. This adds a nice touch to the dish. - Pair it with a simple side salad for a complete meal. The freshness of the salad balances the creamy casserole. To make your Creamy Spinach Chicken Casserole even tastier, try a few tricks. First, use fresh garlic. Fresh garlic gives a strong punch that dried garlic cannot match. Next, add a splash of lemon juice. This adds brightness and balances the creaminess. You can also mix in some red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Finally, don’t skip on the herbs. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can really liven up the dish. Many home cooks make simple errors that can change the dish. One common mistake is overcooking the spinach. Always add it to the pan just until it wilts. Also, don't skip seasoning your layers. This helps each bite pack a flavor punch. Another mistake is not greasing the baking dish well. Greasing avoids sticking and makes serving easier. Lastly, be careful not to bake it too long. Overbaking can dry out your casserole and ruin the texture. For the best texture, follow these techniques. Cook your pasta just until al dente. This means it will hold up better when baked. When mixing, gently fold in the ingredients instead of stirring hard. This keeps the chicken and pasta intact. Cover the dish with foil for the first part of baking. This traps steam and keeps the casserole moist. Remove the foil in the final minutes to create a golden crust. This gives the dish a beautiful look and adds crunch. Pro Tips Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is perfect for utilizing leftover rotisserie chicken, saving time and adding flavor. Make It Ahead: Prepare the casserole a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you're ready to serve! Experiment with Cheeses: Feel free to mix different cheeses like feta or goat cheese for a unique flavor profile. Vegetable Variations: Add other vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor. {{image_2}} You can make this creamy spinach chicken casserole lighter. Use Greek yogurt instead of ricotta cheese. It adds creaminess with fewer calories. Substitute low-fat cream cheese for regular cream cheese. You can also swap out the full-fat mozzarella for part-skim mozzarella. These simple changes cut calories while keeping the dish flavorful and rich. Want to spice things up? Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a kick. You can also mix in fresh herbs, like basil or dill, to boost the flavor. For a smoky twist, try using smoked paprika. Each option gives the casserole a unique taste, making it fun to try new things. If you need a gluten-free casserole, use gluten-free pasta. Most brands offer options that taste great. For a vegetarian dish, you can replace chicken with chickpeas or more veggies. This keeps the dish hearty and filling. Always check labels to ensure all ingredients meet your dietary needs. These swaps allow everyone to enjoy this tasty casserole! To store your creamy spinach chicken casserole, let it cool first. Use an airtight container to keep the flavors fresh. Place the casserole in the fridge. It will stay good for about 3-4 days. Make sure to cover it well to avoid drying out. When you are ready to eat the leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge. Cover it with foil to keep it from drying out. Bake for about 20-25 minutes. You can also use the microwave. Heat it in a microwave-safe dish for about 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway for even warming. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Let the casserole cool completely before freezing. Use a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To enjoy it later, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This way, you can savor your creamy spinach chicken casserole at your convenience. Creamy Spinach Chicken Casserole lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. To store it, let it cool down first. Then, place it in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh and tasty. Yes, you can make this casserole ahead of time. Prepare it up to the baking step. Cover it tightly and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just add about 10 extra minutes to the cooking time. This is a great way to save time on busy days. Some great sides for this casserole include: - A simple green salad - Garlic bread - Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans - Roasted potatoes These sides add color and balance to the meal. Enjoy your delicious dish! This blog post covers everything you need for a tasty casserole. We explored key ingredients, preparation steps, and tips for the best texture. You learned about flavor boosts and common mistakes to avoid. We also discussed healthy variations and storage tips to help you keep leftovers. Now, you have the tools to make a delicious Creamy Spinach Chicken Casserole. Enjoy cooking and sharing this meal with family and friends!

Creamy Spinach Chicken Casserole

A delicious and creamy casserole featuring chicken, spinach, and cheeses, perfect for a comforting meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup cooked pasta (penne or rotini)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  • Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, wilted spinach, ricotta cheese, cream cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
  • Gently fold in the cooked pasta and halved cherry tomatoes to the chicken and spinach mixture.
  • Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  • Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
  • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
  • Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or basil. A simple side salad pairs well.
Keyword casserole, cheese, chicken, comfort food, spinach