Spinach Chicken Casserole with Cream Cheese & Mozzarella

Spinach Chicken Casserole with Cream Cheese & Mozzarella – A Creamy Summer Classic

There’s something unexpectedly soothing about a casserole in the heat of summer: cool kitchen air, chilled lemonade in hand, and a dish that brings comfort without weighing you down. My grandmother had a sterling version of this casserole inspired by the summer garden and a freezer bag of chicken she found in the back of her fridge. She combined fresh spinach with rich cream cheese, tender chicken, and bubbly mozzarella, creating a dish that felt both light and deeply satisfying.

This Spinach Chicken Casserole with Cream Cheese & Mozzarella captures that nostalgic warmth—bright, cheesy, herb-kissed, and fresh from the oven. Easy enough for a weeknight but elegant enough to impress guests, it’s become a go-to for balmy days when you crave something hearty without slaving over the stove.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Spinach Chicken Casserole

Balanced richness: Cream cheese for creaminess, mozzarella for melty stretch
Vegetable power: Fresh spinach adds color, nutrients, and summer brightness
Ready in 45 minutes: Prep + baking – minimal cleanup, big payoff
Make-ahead friendly: Perfect for meal prep or entertaining
Customizable: Swap proteins, cheeses, or add herbs to match your mood

Ingredient Breakdown: What Each Component Brings to the Dish

Cooked Chicken (about 2 cups, shredded or cubed)
A versatile, lean protein that pairs beautifully with soft cheese and produces a satisfying base.
Fresh Spinach (4 cups, packed)
Light and nutrient-rich, spinach wilts beautifully into creamy sauce and adds summer green flavor.
Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened)
Its tanginess and smooth texture form the heart of the casserole sauce.
Mozzarella (1 ½ cups shredded)
Melts golden and stretches with every scoop—key for cheesy satisfaction.
Milk (¼ cup)
Lightens the consistency of the sauce without thinning flavor.
Garlic (2 cloves minced) & Onion (¼ cup finely chopped)
Aromatic base notes that deepen the savory layers.
Olive Oil (1 tablespoon)
For sautéing aromatics and enriching the sauce.
Olive Oil or Butter (for greasing)
Helps achieve a lightly browned crust.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (optional)
Customize the flavor to be more bold, spicy, or herby.
Optional Add-ins:
Sun‑dried tomatoes, chopped zucchini, artichoke hearts, mushrooms, or fresh herbs like basil or parsley for brightness.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large sauté pan or skillet
Baking dish (8×8 or 9×9 inches)
Mixing bowls
Rubber spatula
Vegetable knife and cutting board
Cheese grater

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep and Sauté Aromatics and Spinach

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease your baking dish.
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté onion until translucent, 3–4 minutes.
Add garlic and cook another minute until fragrant.
Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until just wilted. Remove from heat and allow it to drain if water clings.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, milk, a pinch of salt, pepper, oregano, and optional red pepper flakes.
Fold in shredded mozzarella (reserve a handful for topping later).

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Gently mix in cooked chicken and sautéed spinach into the creamy sauce.
Transfer mixture into greased baking dish and spread evenly.
Sprinkle reserved mozzarella for a golden crust.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving so the sauce sets slightly.

Pro Tips for Casserole Success

Drain cooked spinach well so the sauce isn’t watery.
Softened cream cheese ensures a smooth, even sauce.
Reserve cheese for topping so you still have fluffy melting, not just mixed-in.
Let the casserole rest briefly before cutting to keep slices neat.
For extra depth, add 2–3 oz sun‑dried tomatoes, chopped before folding in.

Health Highlights

This casserole balances indulgence and nutrition:

High in protein from chicken and cheese
Packed with greens — spinach contributes iron, vitamins A & C
Portion-friendly at 4 servings, customizable for leftovers
Low-carb option: Serve with salad instead of bread

Flavor Variations

🧀 Cheddar & Jalapeño Twist

Use sharp cheddar instead of mozzarella and fold in pickled jalapeños with onions.

🍄 Mushroom & Herb Upgrade

Sauté sliced mushrooms with oregano and thyme before adding spinach.

🥬 Creamy Broccoli Chicken Casserole

Substitute spinach with broccoli florets (blanched), and add a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce.

🇧🇷 Tropical Style

Stir in diced pineapple and top with ham plus shredded Monterey Jack for a Hawaiian vibe.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with garlic toast or crusty baguette to soak up sauce
Brighten with a salad: arugula, lemon vinaigrette, cucumber
Pair with chilled white wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
Add fresh herbs before plating: basil or parsley give a vibrant finish

Make-Ahead & Storage

Refrigerate in a sealed container up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven-safe dish or microwave, covered, in short bursts.
Freeze baked casserole (uncut) wrapped in foil for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Unbaked casserole: assemble, cover, and freeze. Let it sit at room temperature while preheating the oven and add 5–10 more minutes baking time.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, just thaw completely and squeeze out all excess moisture before mixing in.

Can I swap the cream cheese?

You can use ricotta or mascarpone for a different flavor and lighter texture.

Is it okay to make it in advance?

Definitely! It tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.

How do I make it gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you serve with gluten-free side dishes.

Final Thoughts

This Spinach Chicken Casserole with Cream Cheese & Mozzarella is a warm hug in dish form—balanced, flavorful, and just simple enough for summer evenings. Creamy sauce, tender chicken, melty cheese, and a fresh green twist make it endlessly satisfying.

Whether you’re cooking for family dinners or planning ahead for weekday meals, it’s a dependable keeper that feels both comforting and light. Make it; taste it; make it again—and don’t forget to share your kitchen wins using #CreamySummerCasserole!