45-Minute Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole 🍗🥬✨
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for a quick, hearty, and nutritious dinner, look no further than this Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole. Perfectly combining tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich, creamy sauce, this 45-Minute Casserole is an excellent choice for busy weeknights. Its simplicity and flavor make it an easy chicken casserole to prepare, ensuring you get a wholesome meal on the table in no time.
2. Ingredients Needed for the Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole
- 2 lbs chicken breasts, diced
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (or homemade creamy sauce)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for a kick
3. How to Prepare the Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Heat a quality skillet or non-stick pan with olive oil and cook the diced chicken over medium heat until golden brown and cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Once cooked, set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In the same pan, add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and a little bit of water or broth if needed to achieve the desired consistency. Let it simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Add the cooked chicken and chopped spinach to the sauce. Mix well until the spinach begins to wilt. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with shredded cheese and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole
Let the casserole cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through. For longer storage, consider freezing portions for up to 2 months.
5. Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This easy chicken casserole pairs beautifully with steamed rice, garlic bread, or a fresh green salad. For an extra boost of flavor, serve alongside a glass of crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea. For a complete meal, check out this delicious garlic butter pasta which complements the creamy texture perfectly.
6. Frequently Asked Questions about Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare and assemble the casserole a day in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator and bake when ready. It’s perfect for meal prepping.
Can I substitute fresh spinach with frozen spinach?
Yes, frozen spinach works well. Just be sure to thaw, drain excess water, and chop it before adding to the sauce.
Is this casserole suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes, you can make it low-carb by using full-fat sour cream and cheese and serving it with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of traditional carbs.
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
The entire process takes approximately 45 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal quick dinner option.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master: Simplifies chopping spinach and preparing vegetables for the dish.
- KitchenAid Classic Iconic Stand Mixer: Perfect for mixing sauces or preparing additional ingredients.
- Ninja Air Fryer Pro Crisp & Roast 4-in-1: For easily roasting or crisping leftovers.
- Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker: Keeps beverages cold during dinner or meal prep.
Investing in these tools can streamline your cooking process and elevate your kitchen experience. Check out the links above to find quality gadgets that make preparing this creamy chicken and spinach casserole even more enjoyable.
8. Conclusion
With its quick preparation time, wholesome ingredients, and rich flavors, the Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or when you want a comforting home-cooked meal. This easy casserole can be customized with your favorite cheeses or vegetables, making it a versatile addition to your dinner repertoire. Enjoy the creamy goodness and share this delightful dish with family and friends!
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45-Minute Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole
Discover the delicious and hearty 45-Minute Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole, a quick and nutritious dinner perfect for busy weeknights. This flavorful casserole features tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich, creamy sauce, all ready in just 45 minutes. Ideal for family meals, it combines wholesome ingredients with simple preparation for a satisfying dish that everyone will love.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breasts, diced
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (or homemade creamy sauce)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for a kick
Instructions
- Heat a quality skillet or non-stick pan with olive oil and cook the diced chicken over medium heat until golden brown and cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Once cooked, set aside.
- In the same pan, add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and a little water or broth if needed to achieve the desired consistency. Let it simmer for a few minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Add the cooked chicken and chopped spinach to the sauce. Mix well until the spinach begins to wilt. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with shredded cheese and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
Notes
- Let the casserole cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F until heated through. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to 2 months.
- For added flavor, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes or additional cheese before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low-Carb (with modifications)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420 Kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 125mg