If you’re craving a hearty, comforting casserole that’s full of creamy goodness and packed with flavor, then Creamy Chicken Casserole with Spinach, Mushrooms, and Melted Mozzarella is the dish you’ve been waiting for. This casserole is a one-pan wonder, featuring tender chicken, fresh spinach, savory mushrooms, and gooey melted mozzarella, all smothered in a rich, creamy sauce that ties everything together.
What makes this casserole so special is its balance of flavors and textures. The chicken is perfectly tender, the spinach adds a pop of color and nutrition, and the mushrooms bring an earthy depth to the dish. The creamy sauce envelops everything, and the mozzarella topping adds that irresistible, melty finish. It’s a complete meal that’s comforting and satisfying, and it’s so easy to make.
I first made this Creamy Chicken Casserole when I was looking for a way to turn some basic ingredients into something special for dinner. The result was a creamy, cheesy casserole that my family devoured. This dish has become one of our go-to comfort meals, and I’m sure it will be a hit in your household too!
Why This Creamy Chicken Casserole with Spinach, Mushrooms, and Melted Mozzarella Will Be Your New Favorite
- Creamy and cheesy: The creamy sauce and melted mozzarella combine to create a rich and satisfying topping that’s perfect for this hearty casserole.
- Packed with flavor: The combination of chicken, spinach, mushrooms, and seasonings makes every bite burst with flavor.
- Easy and one-pan: This casserole is simple to prepare, and everything comes together in one dish, making clean-up a breeze.
- Comfort food at its best: The creamy sauce and melty cheese make this dish feel indulgent and satisfying, perfect for cozy nights.
- Great for meal prep: This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored for a quick and easy dinner throughout the week.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
How to Mike Creamy Chicken Casserole with Spinach, Mushrooms, and Melted Mozzarella
- Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. - Cook the chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. - Sauté the vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and become tender. Add the chopped spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted. - Make the creamy sauce:
Lower the heat and pour in the sour cream, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly. - Combine the chicken and vegetables:
Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the creamy sauce and vegetables, and stir to combine. Cook for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. - Assemble the casserole:
Transfer the chicken and vegetable mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly and top with the shredded mozzarella cheese and Parmesan (if using). - Bake the casserole:
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top. - Serve and enjoy:
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Scoop out generous portions and enjoy your creamy, cheesy chicken casserole with spinach and mushrooms!
Tips
- Use chicken thighs for extra flavor: If you prefer a richer flavor, substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the breasts.
- Make it gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but make sure the chicken broth and seasonings are gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions.
- Add a crunchy topping: For extra texture, sprinkle some breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top of the cheese before baking for a crispy finish.
Substitutions and Variations
- Add different vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli to the casserole for a more varied flavor.
- Swap the cream: Use half-and-half or milk for a lighter version of the sauce, though the dish will be less rich.
- Use different cheese: If you don’t have mozzarella, try using provolone, gouda, or cheddar for a different cheese flavor.
Make a Healthier Version
- Lower-fat version: Use low-fat sour cream and reduced-fat mozzarella cheese to lighten up the casserole.
- Add more greens: Boost the nutritional value by adding more spinach or incorporating other leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard.
Closing
And there you have it! Creamy Chicken Casserole with Spinach, Mushrooms, and Melted Mozzarella is the perfect comfort food that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with a hearty blend of chicken, spinach, and mushrooms. This easy, one-pan meal is a family favorite that will satisfy your cravings for something rich and indulgent while still being easy to prepare. Don’t forget to let us know how your casserole turns out, and be sure to check out more of our comforting, cheesy meal ideas!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and cook as directed. - Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just bake it and let it cool before freezing, then reheat it in the oven when you’re ready to eat. - Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just be sure to thaw it and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the casserole. - Can I add other types of cheese?
Absolutely! You can use any cheese you like, such as cheddar, provolone, or even a mixture of your favorites. - How do I prevent the casserole from being too watery?
Make sure to cook the mushrooms thoroughly to release their moisture before adding them to the casserole. Also, allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking to let the sauce thicken. - Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free cream, cheese, and sour cream for a dairy-free version. - How do I reheat leftovers?
To reheat leftovers, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings for a quicker option. - Can I use a different protein?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian version of this casserole. - Can I add a topping to the casserole?
For extra texture, you can top the casserole with crispy fried onions or breadcrumbs before baking. - What can I serve with this casserole?
This casserole pairs well with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.