Description
This Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole is a comforting and flavorful baked pasta dish that combines tender shredded chicken, sautéed spinach, and a rich creamy sauce topped with melted mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and a crispy buttery panko crust. Perfect for a family dinner, this casserole is easy to prepare and packed with wholesome ingredients for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cooked and shredded
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Sauce
- 1 (10 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Other Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta (such as penne or rotini)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Sauté Aromatics and Spinach: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Add the chopped spinach and sauté until wilted, approximately 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Mix Sauce and Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and garlic powder. Stir in the cooked shredded chicken, sautéed onion, garlic, spinach mixture, and cooked pasta, mixing until everything is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Prepare and Add Topping: In a small bowl, toss the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter until well combined. Sprinkle this over the cheese layer evenly to create a crunchy topping.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the breadcrumb topping turns golden brown.
- Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving to let it set and enhance flavors.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation.
- For added vegetables, incorporate cooked mushrooms or steamed broccoli into the casserole.
