Description
Hearty chicken and spinach casserole combines comforting layers of tender protein with rich, creamy sauce. Home cooks can savor this satisfying meal that delivers classic American comfort on a single plate.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (475 ml) chicken breast, shredded
- 3 cups (710 ml) spinach, fresh
- 1 cup (240 ml) cream, heavy
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream
- 1/2 cup (50 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup (50 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup (40 g) onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
- 1 teaspoon (5 g) salt
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g) black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) basil, dried
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by warming it to 375F (190C), ensuring an even heating environment for the casserole.
- Pour olive oil into a skillet over medium heat, introducing diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until aromatics release their fragrant essence and onions turn translucent.
- Gently add fresh spinach leaves to the skillet, allowing them to wilt and reduce in volume while absorbing the subtle flavors of onions and garlic.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, merge shredded chicken, velvety heavy cream, tangy sour cream, aged Parmesan, melty mozzarella, and the freshly cooked spinach mixture.
- Enhance the creamy blend with a balanced sprinkle of salt, cracked black pepper, and dried basil. Thoroughly incorporate all ingredients to create a harmonious filling.
- Lightly grease a baking dish, then carefully transfer the creamy chicken and spinach mixture, spreading it evenly across the surface.
- Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for 25-30 minutes until the top transforms into a golden, bubbling landscape of deliciousness.
- Remove from oven and permit the casserole to rest for a few minutes, allowing flavors to settle before serving a comforting, creamy dish.
Notes
- Boost protein content by adding quinoa or white beans to the casserole for extra nutrition and texture.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or low-fat milk to reduce calories without sacrificing creaminess.
- Make this dish gluten-free by ensuring all cheese and cream products are certified gluten-free and skip any potential wheat-based thickeners.
- Enhance vegetable content by mixing in roasted bell peppers or zucchini for added color and nutritional value.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 315 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 560 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg