Creamy Chicken Casserole With Spinach, Mushrooms, And Melted Mozzarella Recipe

Irresistible Creamy Chicken & Veggie Mozzarella Casserole Recipe

My favorite weeknight chicken casserole with spinach combines comfort and nutrition in one magical dish.

mushrooms add earthy depth to each hearty bite.

melted mozzarella creates a golden, irresistible crust that makes you want to dive right in.

Packed with protein and vegetables, this recipe works magic for busy households.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly these ingredients come together in a single pan.

Nutritious and satisfying, the casserole delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

We know you’ll love this crowd-pleasing meal that brings everyone to the table with excitement.

Creamy Chicken Casserole with Spinach, Mushrooms, and Mozzarella

  • Savor Speedy Comfort: Dive into a delightful chicken casserole that brings joy to your table with minimal effort.
  • Quick Kitchen Triumph: Master this recipe with basic cooking skills, making it perfect for home cooks at any experience level.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Create a hearty meal packed with protein, vegetables, and cheesy goodness that satisfies everyone from kids to adults.
  • Versatile Dinner Solution: Transform simple ingredients into a nutritious, one-dish wonder that works for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Casserole with Spinach & Mushrooms

Protein Base:
  • Chicken: Tender meat that serves as the main protein for the casserole.
Dairy Components:
  • Green Onion Cream Cheese, Sour Cream: Creamy ingredients that provide rich texture and tangy flavor.
  • Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty cheeses that add golden-brown topping and savory taste.
Vegetable Ingredients:
  • Mushrooms, Spinach: Fresh vegetables that bring earthy flavor and additional nutrition to the dish.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: Spices that enhance the overall taste profile of the casserole.
Cooking Essentials:
  • Olive Oil, Chicken Broth: Cooking liquids that help develop moisture and prevent drying.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Herb that adds a bright, fresh finish to the completed casserole.

Preparation Guide for Creamy Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) so it’s perfectly ready for our delicious creation.

Step 2: Mushroom Magic

Grab a large skillet and drizzle olive oil.

Toss in sliced mushrooms and let them dance and sizzle until they turn golden brown and tender, about 5-7 minutes. Scoop them out and set aside.

Step 3: Spinach Softening

In the same skillet, welcome the chopped spinach. Let it wilt and soften for 2-3 minutes, then remove and keep close.

Step 4: Creamy Sauce Preparation

Dive into a mixing bowl and combine:
  • Green onion cream cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Chicken broth
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Whisk everything together until smooth and dreamy.

Step 5: Layer the Base

Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.

Spread out the cooked chicken as your first layer, then sprinkle the sautéed mushrooms and spinach on top.

Step 6: Pour the Cream

Gently cascade the creamy mixture over the layers, making sure every morsel gets a coating of deliciousness.

Step 7: Cheese Shower

Generously sprinkle:
  • Grated mozzarella
  • Grated Parmesan

Cover the top like a cheesy blanket.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Watch for the cheese to melt, bubble, and turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 9: Fresh Finish

Shower some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Creamy Chicken Casserole Success

  • Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother, lump-free mixing in the sauce.
  • Sauté mushrooms until golden brown to develop rich, caramelized taste that enhances the entire dish.
  • Cover casserole with foil during first 15 minutes of baking to prevent cheese from burning and maintain creamy texture.
  • Replace chicken with cauliflower or zucchini for a vegetarian-friendly alternative that keeps the same delicious creamy profile.
  • Make the casserole ahead and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.

Flavor Options for Creamy Chicken Casserole

  • Protein Power-Up Variation: Replace chicken with diced turkey or lean ground beef for a protein-packed alternative that maintains the casserole's creamy texture and flavor profile.
  • Dairy-Free Delight: Substitute cream cheese with cashew cream, use coconut milk instead of sour cream, and opt for dairy-free mozzarella to create a lactose-free version that's equally satisfying.
  • Mediterranean Herb Remix: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, swap green onion cream cheese for herbed goat cheese, and sprinkle oregano and basil to transform the casserole into a Mediterranean-inspired dish with bright, fresh flavors.

Pairings for Chicken Casserole

  • Pair this creamy chicken casserole with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc that cuts through the richness and complements the earthy mushrooms.
  • Roast some herbed garlic bread or a light quinoa salad to balance the casserole's creamy texture and provide a refreshing contrast.
  • Select a medium-bodied Chardonnay with subtle oak notes that harmonizes with the melted cheese and enhances the chicken's savory profile.
  • Brew a fresh herb tea like thyme or rosemary to cleanse the palate and add an aromatic dimension that echoes the casserole's green ingredients.

Proper Storage for Creamy Chicken Casserole

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe dish, cover with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date and contents for easy tracking.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove casserole from refrigerator, let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying, bake for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain it completely, squeezing out excess moisture before adding to the casserole to prevent a watery dish.

  • Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake it directly from the refrigerator, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

  • What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken, shredded chicken breast, or leftover grilled chicken all work perfectly. Just ensure the chicken is cooked and roughly chopped or shredded before layering in the casserole.

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Creamy Chicken Casserole With Spinach, Mushrooms, And Melted Mozzarella Recipe

Creamy Chicken Casserole With Spinach, Mushrooms, And Melted Mozzarella Recipe


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4.6 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Comfort meets culinary elegance in this creamy chicken casserole with spinach, mushrooms, and melted mozzarella. Layers of rich flavors and textures promise a satisfying meal that brings warmth to your table and smiles to hungry diners.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 cups chicken breast, shredded or diced

Dairy:

  • 1/2 cup green onion cream cheese (or regular cream cheese with finely chopped green onions)
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetables and Seasonings:

  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 375°F, preparing a 9×13-inch casserole dish with a light coating of cooking spray.
  2. Sauté mushroom slices in olive oil over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until they develop a rich golden color and tender texture, then transfer to a separate plate.
  3. Quickly wilt the spinach in the same skillet for 2-3 minutes, removing excess moisture, and set aside.
  4. Create a smooth sauce by whisking together cream cheese, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until perfectly blended.
  5. Arrange a uniform layer of cooked chicken across the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.
  6. Distribute the sautéed mushrooms and wilted spinach evenly over the chicken layer.
  7. Gently pour the creamy sauce, ensuring complete coverage of all ingredients.
  8. Generously sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses across the entire surface.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden-brown blanket.
  10. Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley just before serving.

Notes

  • Optimize mushroom flavor by ensuring they’re dry before sautéing, which helps achieve a perfect golden-brown color and prevents soggy texture.
  • Customize cheese blend by experimenting with different varieties like gruyère or fontina for unique taste profiles and added depth.
  • Reduce carbohydrate content by substituting chicken with cauliflower or zucchini for a low-carb friendly version that maintains creamy, comforting qualities.
  • Enhance protein intake by adding extra chicken or incorporating diced ham for a heartier meal that satisfies hunger and provides balanced nutrition.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 223 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 360 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg
Mike Reynolds

Mike Reynolds

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Sustainable cooking techniques, Food photography

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech)
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Mike studied culinary arts with a strong focus on farm-to-table principles and sustainable cooking. His training emphasized the importance of fresh, local ingredients and environmentally responsible practices in the kitchen.


Mike’s food journey began deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where weekends at farmers’ markets and home-cooked meals sparked a lifelong obsession with simple, seasonal eating.
After earning his Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, he set out to bring farm-to-table cooking into everyday kitchens, without the fuss.
Mike’s philosophy is all about keeping it fresh, unfussy, and full of heart. When he’s not crafting new single-serving recipes, he’s hiking mountain trails, chatting with local farmers, or experimenting with wild ingredients in his backyard kitchen.

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