If you are searching for a cozy, comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cheddar and Parmesan Recipe is exactly what you need. It perfectly combines tender shredded chicken with fresh spinach, all enveloped in a rich, cheesy cream cheese sauce and topped with a golden, crunchy breadcrumb crust. Every bite delivers layers of creamy texture and savory flavor that make it an instant family favorite. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this casserole never fails to bring smiles and satisfied appetites around the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting just the right balance of richness, freshness, and savory depth in this casserole is easier than you might think. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating that irresistible harmony of flavor, texture, and color that makes this dish so special.
- Olive oil: Provides the perfect base for sautéing onions and garlic, enhancing their flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Medium onion: Adds sweetness and a subtle bite that balances the creamy sauce.
- Garlic cloves: Infuse a fragrant aroma and depth that elevates the flavor dramatically.
- Cooked shredded chicken: The star protein, tender and ready to soak up all the delicious flavors.
- Fresh baby spinach: Offers vibrant color and a nutritious, mild green taste that complements the richness.
- Cream cheese: The creamy foundation that gives the casserole its irresistible smooth texture.
- Sour cream: Boosts the tang and creaminess, balancing the cheese’s richness beautifully.
- Milk: Lightens the mixture just enough to keep it luscious without being heavy.
- Cheddar cheese (shredded): Brings sharp, melty goodness that binds everything together.
- Parmesan cheese (grated): Adds a nutty, salty punch for an extra layer of flavor complexity.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and harmonize all the ingredients.
- Dried oregano and basil: Infuse the dish with a gentle herbal warmth and Italian-inspired flair.
- Breadcrumbs: Create that crave-worthy golden crust that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior.
- Melted butter: Ensures the breadcrumbs crisp perfectly and adds a rich, buttery note.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cheddar and Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This simple prep ensures the casserole won’t stick and will bake evenly with a perfect crust.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it turns translucent and soft, about 5 minutes, releasing its natural sweetness. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to unlock its fragrant, savory aroma. This flavorful base is what gives the entire casserole its soulful depth.
Step 3: Add Chicken and Spinach
Stir in the shredded chicken and fresh baby spinach to the skillet. Cook until the spinach wilts down, about 3 to 4 minutes. This step not only combines your protein with nutritious greens but also ensures the spinach retains vibrant color and a tender bite. Once done, remove the skillet from heat, allowing the mixture to cool slightly as you prepare the sauce.
Step 4: Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and milk. Stir these ingredients until perfectly smooth and creamy. This luscious mixture is the heart of your casserole, giving it that rich, dreamy texture that we all crave in comfort food.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Fold the sautéed chicken and spinach into the creamy base. Then add shredded cheddar, grated parmesan, and season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Mixing all these elements together creates that wonderfully balanced flavor profile that makes the Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cheddar and Parmesan Recipe so beloved.
Step 6: Assemble in Baking Dish and Add Topping
Pour your combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing it out evenly for consistent baking. In a small bowl, mix melted butter with breadcrumbs, then generously sprinkle this topping over the casserole. This crunchy layer will become beautifully golden, adding a textural contrast that’s simply irresistible.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until bubbling around the edges and the breadcrumb topping is a stunning golden brown. This final step melds all the flavors together while creating a crisp, inviting crust.
Step 8: Rest Before Serving
Once out of the oven, allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes. This pause lets it set slightly, making it easier to serve and allowing all those flavors to settle and shine in every mouthful.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cheddar and Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil add a bright, fresh note and an appealing pop of green on top. A light sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese right before serving provides an added savory touch that will delight cheese lovers.
Side Dishes
This creamy and cheesy casserole pairs beautifully with crisp side salads for a refreshing contrast. Roasted vegetables or a simple crusty bread round out the meal perfectly, making each bite feel balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fancy twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for personal portions. You can also spoon it over buttered noodles or fluffy rice to transform it into a hearty one-dish meal that’s both elegant and comforting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The casserole keeps well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for next-day meals or easy reheating whenever hunger strikes.
Freezing
This casserole freezes wonderfully. Assemble it completely, then wrap it tightly with foil and plastic wrap before placing it in the freezer. It will keep well for up to 2 months and thaw evenly when placed in the fridge overnight prior to reheating.
Reheating
Reheat portions in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the topping regains its crispness. Alternatively, microwave reheating works for convenience, though the crust might soften slightly. Either way, it tastes just as comforting and delicious as when freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen spinach can be a convenient substitute. Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out all excess moisture before adding it to avoid a watery casserole.
Is it necessary to use both cheddar and parmesan cheese?
Using both cheeses adds layers of flavor — cheddar for its sharp melty quality and parmesan for nutty saltiness. However, you can experiment with your favorites or what you have on hand while keeping the rich and cheesy essence.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and consider adding hearty vegetables like mushrooms or chickpeas for protein and texture while maintaining that creamy, cheesy goodness.
How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?
Look for bubbling edges and a golden breadcrumb crust. The internal temperature should be hot throughout, and the topping will be crisp and lightly browned.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
You can substitute cream cheese with ricotta or mascarpone for a slightly different but still creamy texture. Keep in mind the flavor profile will shift subtly based on the cheese used.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cheddar and Parmesan Recipe truly feels like a treasured homemade dish that brings warmth and joy to any table. Its perfect balance of creamy sauce, tender chicken, fresh spinach, and crunchy topping makes it a recipe you’ll want to revisit time and time again. Give it a try—you’ll soon understand why it’s such a beloved classic in my kitchen and maybe in yours as well!
Print
Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cheddar and Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 45m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A creamy and comforting Chicken and Spinach Casserole featuring tender shredded chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich blend of cream cheese and cheddar. Topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust, this easy-to-make casserole is perfect for a satisfying family meal or cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and dried
Dairy Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
Topping
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Sauté onions: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes, which softens them and develops their sweetness.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, enhancing the flavor base of the casserole.
- Cook chicken and spinach: Incorporate the cooked shredded chicken and fresh spinach into the skillet. Cook until the spinach is wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat to prevent overcooking.
- Mix dairy base: In a large mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and milk until smooth, creating a creamy sauce for the casserole.
- Combine ingredients: Add the sautéed chicken and spinach mixture to the dairy base. Sprinkle in cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, oregano, and basil. Stir until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Assemble casserole: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly for uniform baking.
- Prepare topping: In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter until well combined. Sprinkle this breadcrumb mixture evenly over the surface of the casserole, adding a crunchy finish.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the mixture is bubbly and the breadcrumb topping turns golden brown and crisp.
- Cool and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving to set flavors and avoid burns. Enjoy your delicious Chicken and Spinach Casserole!
Notes
- Fresh spinach can be substituted with frozen spinach (thawed and drained) if fresh is unavailable.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the dairy mixture.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- This casserole pairs well with a light green salad or steamed vegetables.
