Creamy Chicken Spinach Casserole Recipe for Easy Dinner

Introduction

Are you looking for a dinner recipe that is both easy to make and packed with flavor? Look no further than this creamy chicken spinach casserole recipe. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner, as it can be prepared in just a few minutes and cooked to perfection in under an hour. The combination of tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich, creamy sauce makes for a truly satisfying meal that is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s made with everyday ingredients that you likely have on hand, making it a great option for a quick and easy dinner solution.

Why This Works

• The balance of flavors in this recipe is perfect, with the richness of the cream and cheese balanced by the brightness of the spinach and the savory flavor of the chicken.
• This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, with just a few simple steps and minimal cleanup required.
• Despite its ease of preparation, this casserole is sure to impress your family and friends with its creamy, cheesy goodness and the fact that it’s made with fresh, wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup cooked pasta, such as penne or fusilli
• 1 cup crushed crackers, such as Ritz or saltines
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients – Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Then, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain and set aside. Next, chop the onion and mince the garlic. Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces and season with salt, pepper, and thyme.
2. Step 2: Cook the Chicken and Spinach – In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Then, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet and add the chopped onion. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Next, add the fresh spinach leaves to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
3. Step 3: Assemble the Casserole – In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, spinach mixture, cream of chicken soup, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix well to combine. Then, transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish and top with crushed crackers.
4. Step 4: Bake the Casserole – Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the casserole and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is hot and bubbly.

Handy Tips

• To make this recipe even easier, use pre-cooked chicken or leftover chicken from a previous meal.
• If you don’t have fresh spinach, you can use frozen spinach that’s been thawed and drained.
• To add some extra flavor to the casserole, try adding some diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the skillet with the onion and garlic.

Heat Control

This recipe is baked in the oven, so it’s essential to keep an eye on the temperature and cooking time to ensure that the casserole is cooked through and the top is golden brown. The ideal temperature for baking this casserole is 350°F (180°C), and it should be cooked for 25 minutes with the foil on and an additional 10-15 minutes with the foil off.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this recipe comes from the crushed crackers on top of the casserole. To ensure that the crackers are crunchy and not soggy, it’s essential to bake the casserole for the additional 10-15 minutes with the foil off. This will help to brown the top and crisp up the crackers.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• To make this recipe even creamier, try adding some heavy cream or half-and-half to the mixture before baking.
• To add some extra flavor to the casserole, try using different types of cheese, such as Parmesan or feta.
• To make this recipe more substantial, try adding some cooked vegetables, such as broccoli or carrots, to the mixture before baking.

Storage Tips

• This casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
• To reheat the casserole, simply bake it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
• It’s essential to store the casserole in an airtight container to keep it fresh and prevent it from drying out.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This casserole is perfect for gift-giving, especially during the holidays. To package the casserole as a gift, simply bake it in a disposable 9×13 inch baking dish and wrap it in aluminum foil. Then, place the dish in a gift bag or wrap it in plastic wrap and tie with a ribbon. You can also include a card with the recipe and some serving suggestions.

Flavor Variations

• To add some Italian flavor to the casserole, try adding some dried basil or oregano to the mixture before baking.
• To add some spicy flavor to the casserole, try adding some diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes to the mixture before baking.
• To add some smoky flavor to the casserole, try adding some diced bacon or ham to the mixture before baking.

Troubleshooting

• If the casserole is too dry, try adding some more cream or milk to the mixture before baking.
• If the casserole is too wet, try adding some more crushed crackers or cooked pasta to the mixture before baking.
• If the casserole is not browning on top, try broiling it for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown.

FAQs

• Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, this casserole can be frozen for up to 2 months. Simply bake it in a disposable 9×13 inch baking dish and wrap it in aluminum foil. Then, place the dish in a freezer-safe bag or container and store in the freezer.
• Is this casserole gluten-free? No, this casserole is not gluten-free due to the presence of pasta and cream of chicken soup. However, you can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and cream of chicken soup.
• Can I double this recipe? Yes, this recipe can be doubled by simply multiplying all of the ingredients by two. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time and temperature to ensure that the casserole is cooked through and the top is golden brown.

Conclusion

This creamy chicken spinach casserole recipe is a perfect solution for a quick and easy dinner. It’s made with everyday ingredients, is easy to prepare, and is sure to impress your family and friends with its creamy, cheesy goodness. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a weeknight dinner solution or a beginner cook looking for a simple and delicious recipe, this casserole is sure to become a favorite. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness of this delicious casserole!