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Chicken And Spinach Casserole 20.png

Chicken And Spinach Casserole

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๐Ÿ— Enjoy a comforting and nutritious weeknight dinner with this creamy spinach chicken casserole that combines tender chicken with wilted spinach in a rich, cheesy sauce
๐Ÿง€ This crowd-pleasing dish is perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

– 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts, cubed [Provides lean protein and stays juicy during baking]

– 10 oz fresh spinach, chopped [Adds vitamins A, C, K and iron for nutrition without sogginess]

– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese [Melts into a stretchy top layer for that irresistible pull]

– 1 cup ricotta cheese [Creates creamy base with mild tang to bind everything]

– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese [Brings sharp, nutty flavor and golden crust]

– 1 onion, diced [Builds savory depth as it sautes]

– 3 garlic cloves, minced [Infuses aromatic punch that elevates the dish]

– 1 cup chicken broth [Adds moisture and lightness to the sauce]

– 1/2 cup heavy cream [Ensures rich, velvety consistency]

– 2 tbsp olive oil [For browning chicken and veggies with healthy fats]

– Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste [Seasons simply for balanced herbs]

– Mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes [for extra umami]

– 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken [to save prep time]

Instructions

1-First Step: Mise en place and prep ingredients Cube 2 lbs chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Chop 10 oz spinach, dice 1 onion, mince 3 garlic cloves. Shred cheeses if needed. Grease a 9ร—13 baking dish. This setup keeps cooking smooth, about 10 minutes.

2-Second Step: Saute aromatics and chicken Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic; cook 3 minutes until soft and fragrant. Toss in cubed chicken, season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning. Brown chicken 5-7 minutes, stirring often. Chicken should be mostly cooked but not fully done, preserving moisture for baking.

3-Third Step: Wilt spinach and mix sauce Stir in chopped spinach; cook 2 minutes until wilted and bright green. Water from spinach helps deglaze pan. Pour in 1 cup chicken broth and 1/2 cup heavy cream. Add 1 cup ricotta cheese; stir until smooth and bubbly, about 3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings. Sauce thickens slightly.

4-Fourth Step: Assemble in baking dish Transfer skillet mixture to greased 9ร—13 dish. Spread evenly. Sprinkle 1 cup mozzarella and 1/2 cup Parmesan over top. For even melt, dot with extra ricotta if desired. Optional: Add sliced mushrooms here for earthiness.

5-Fifth Step: Bake to perfection Bake at 375ยฐF for 15 minutes covered, then uncover for 10-15 minutes until cheese bubbles and turns golden. Internal temp should reach 165ยฐF. Broil 1-2 minutes for crisp top if wanted. Total bake: 25-30 minutes.

6-Final Step: Rest, serve, and enjoy Remove from oven; rest 5 minutes. Flavors settle, cheese sets. Serve hot with a side salad. Pairs great with crusty bread or [apple cranberry crisp](https://flavorsbydesign.com/apple-cranberry-crisp/) for dessert. Leftovers? Store properly (see below).

Last Step:

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Notes

๐ŸŒŸ Make sure to squeeze out as much water as possible from the thawed spinach to prevent a watery casserole
๐Ÿ’ก This recipe can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking
๐Ÿฅ— For extra vegetables, add sautรฉed mushrooms or bell peppers to the sauce mixture

  • Author: Brandi Oshea
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Resting time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1.5 cups
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 890mg
  • Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 36g
  • Cholesterol: 140mg