One-Pan Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Your Family Will Love

This Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole is everything you love about comfort food: warm, rich, and hearty—yet made with lighter ingredients for a balanced and satisfying meal. Packed with lean chicken, tender spinach, and a velvety cream sauce, it’s a weeknight hero that’s both wholesome and delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich & Creamy Without the Guilt: All the coziness of a traditional casserole, but made with better-for-you ingredients.
One-Dish Wonder: Easy cleanup and minimal prep for a stress-free dinner.
Vegetable-Packed: Spinach adds nutrients and flavor without overpowering the dish.
Family-Friendly: Mild, creamy, and comforting—picky eaters approved!

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen, thawed and drained)
  • 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
  • 1/2 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup reduced-fat shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

Preheat and Prep:

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Lightly grease a medium casserole dish.

Sauté the Aromatics:

  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  • Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
  • Stir in garlic and spinach, cooking until spinach wilts.
  • Remove from heat and set aside.

Mix the Creamy Base:

  • In a large bowl, combine cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
  • Stir in the shredded chicken and spinach mixture until fully combined.

Assemble and Bake:

  • Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
  • Smooth the top and sprinkle with a little extra mozzarella and Parmesan, if desired.
  • Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.

Serve and Enjoy:

  • Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley if you like, and serve warm.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

  • Calories: 215
  • Carbs: 6g
  • Protein: 26g
  • Fat: 9g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 2g

Tips for Success

  • Use Rotisserie Chicken: A great time-saver for busy weeknights.
  • Drain Spinach Well: Especially if using frozen spinach—excess moisture can make the casserole watery.
  • Add Texture: Top with whole grain breadcrumbs or crushed light crackers for a little crunch.
  • Customize It: Add mushrooms or bell peppers for extra veggies and color.

Why This Recipe Works

  • Protein-Packed: High in lean protein, making it filling and nourishing.
  • Creamy Without Heavy Cream: Greek yogurt and cottage cheese keep things rich without added fat.
  • Balanced Flavors: Herbs and Parmesan give depth while spinach adds freshness.
  • Simple & Cozy: Delivers all the comfort of traditional casseroles with a wholesome twist.

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole is your go-to dish when you’re craving something warm, rich, and satisfying—but still want to eat smart. Perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or freezing for later, this cozy favorite proves that comfort food can be both healthy and crave-worthy.

One-Pan Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Your Family Will Love

Servings

6

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

30

minutes
Calories

250

kcal
Total time

45

minutes

This Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole is everything you love about comfort food: warm, rich, and hearty—yet made with lighter ingredients for a balanced and satisfying meal. Packed with lean chicken, tender spinach, and a velvety cream sauce, it’s a weeknight hero that’s both wholesome and delicious.

Ingredients

  • For the Casserole:

  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1/2 onion, diced

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 4 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen, thawed and drained)

  • 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese

  • 1/2 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt

  • 1/2 cup reduced-fat shredded mozzarella cheese

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika

  • 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning

  • Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

  • Preheat and Prep:
    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
    Lightly grease a medium casserole dish.
  • Sauté the Aromatics:
    Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
    Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
    Stir in garlic and spinach, cooking until spinach wilts.
    Remove from heat and set aside.
  • Mix the Creamy Base:
    In a large bowl, combine cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
    Stir in the shredded chicken and spinach mixture until fully combined.
  • Assemble and Bake:
    Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
    Smooth the top and sprinkle with a little extra mozzarella and Parmesan, if desired.
    Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
  • Serve and Enjoy:
    Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
    Garnish with fresh parsley if you like, and serve warm.

Notes

  • Use Rotisserie Chicken: A great time-saver for busy weeknights.
    Drain Spinach Well: Especially if using frozen spinach—excess moisture can make the casserole watery.
    Add Texture: Top with whole grain breadcrumbs or crushed light crackers for a little crunch.
    Customize It: Add mushrooms or bell peppers for extra veggies and color.

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