Easy Creamy Chicken Spinach Casserole

Introduction:
This Easy Creamy Chicken Spinach Casserole is a delicious blend of tender chicken, spinach, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s a satisfying, one-pan meal that comes together quickly, perfect for a cozy family dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Quick and Easy: Minimal prep and easy assembly make this a go-to recipe for busy nights.
• Creamy Comfort Food: A rich, cheesy sauce makes this dish super comforting.
• Nutritious: Packed with protein from the chicken and vitamins from the spinach.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (10 oz) bag fresh spinach (or 1 box frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
• 1 tablespoon butter (for breadcrumbs)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Sauté Onion and Garlic:
   • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Wilt the Spinach:
   • Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. If using frozen spinach, simply stir it in to heat through. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
   • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.
5. Assemble the Casserole:
   • Spread the cooked chicken evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer the spinach and onion mixture over the chicken. Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the top, spreading it to cover the spinach and chicken.
6. Add the Cheese and Topping:
   • Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese over the casserole. If desired, melt the butter and toss with the breadcrumbs. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture on top of the cheese for extra crunch.
7. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
8. Serve:
   • Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Tips for Success:

• Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for quick prep or cook your own chicken breasts or thighs.
• Spinach: Make sure to drain the spinach well if using frozen to avoid excess liquid in the casserole.

Recipe Variations:

• Add Pasta: Add cooked pasta, such as penne or rotini, to make this casserole heartier.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or another vegetable for a meat-free version.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for a bit of heat.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Freezing and Storage:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the fully cooked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Special Equipment:

• Skillet for sautéing.
• Baking Dish (9×13-inch) for assembling the casserole.

FAQ:

• Can I make this ahead of time?
  Yes! You can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Add a few minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
• Can I use another type of cheese?
  Absolutely! Feel free to substitute mozzarella with cheddar, Swiss, or a mix of your favorite cheeses.

Preparation Time:

• 15 minutes for prepping and assembling.

Cook Time:

• 30 minutes for baking.

Total Time:

• 45 minutes (including prep and cook time).

Nutrition Information (per serving, assuming 6 servings):

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 26g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 90mg
• Sodium: 750mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g

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Closing Notes:
This Easy Creamy Chicken Spinach Casserole is a comforting dish that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with tender chicken and healthy spinach. It’s sure to become a family favorite!