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A spoonful of creamy, cheesy Chicken and Spinach Casserole being lifted from a white baking dish, showing melted cheese pull.
Reda

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole

A rich and satisfying casserole packed with tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and pasta, all enveloped in a creamy garlic-parmesan sauce. The perfect one-dish meal for a cozy weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 655

Ingredients
  

For the Casserole Base
  • 12 oz Penne Pasta or other short pasta like rotini or ziti
  • 3 cups Cooked Chicken shredded or cubed (rotisserie chicken works well)
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion finely chopped
  • 4 cloves Garlic minced
  • 6 oz Fresh Spinach about 6 packed cups
For the Creamy Sauce
  • 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter
  • 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
  • 2 cups Chicken Broth low-sodium
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream
  • 4 oz Cream Cheese softened and cut into cubes
  • 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1/2 tsp Salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper freshly ground
For the Topping
  • 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
  • 1/2 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter melted

Equipment

  • 9x13 Inch Casserole Dish
  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • Large Pot
  • Whisk

Method
 

Prepare the Base
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish.
  2. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  3. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-6 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the fresh spinach to the skillet in batches, stirring until it wilts down completely. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Remove the spinach and onion mixture from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Creamy Sauce
  1. In the same skillet, melt 4 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
  2. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth until smooth. Then, gradually whisk in the heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, until it starts to thicken.
  3. Reduce the heat to low. Add the cubed cream cheese and whisk until it has completely melted into the sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Continue stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Assemble and Bake
  1. To the skillet with the sauce, add the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and the cooked spinach-onion mixture. Stir gently until everything is well-coated in the sauce.
  2. Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it into an even layer.
  3. In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the 2 tbsp of melted butter. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the casserole, followed by the buttered panko breadcrumbs.
  4. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
  5. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set and makes it easier to serve.

Notes

For a shortcut, use a store-bought rotisserie chicken. If using frozen spinach, thaw a 10-ounce package and squeeze out as much water as possible before adding it with the onions and garlic. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.