Creamy Chicken Florentine Casserole Recipe

History of Chicken Florentine Casserole

“Florentine” refers to dishes that are inspired by the cuisine of Florence, Italy, and usually include spinach. Chicken Florentine originated as a sautéed chicken dish served with a creamy spinach sauce. Over time, home cooks turned it into a baked casserole to make it more convenient for family dinners. The casserole version has become a popular comfort food due to its creamy, cheesy flavors and hearty ingredients.

Why Chicken Florentine Casserole?

• Creamy and Flavorful: Rich, cheesy sauce paired with tender chicken and fresh spinach.
• Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh spinach.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love this dish.
• Versatile: Serve it with pasta, rice, or a side of veggies.

What is Chicken Florentine Casserole Made of?

This casserole typically includes:

• Cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
• Fresh spinach (or frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
• A creamy sauce made with cream cheese, heavy cream, and garlic
• Shredded cheese (Parmesan, mozzarella, or both)
• Optional add-ins like mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes

What to Have with Chicken Florentine Casserole

Serve this dish with:

• Buttered pasta, like fettuccine or linguine
• White rice, brown rice, or quinoa
• A fresh green salad with vinaigrette dressing
• Roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or carrots

Is Chicken Florentine Casserole Healthy?

This casserole is rich and creamy, but you can make it healthier by using low-fat cream cheese, reduced-fat cheese, and fresh spinach. Adding extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots can boost its nutritional value. You can also use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for added protein.

Kitchen Equipment

• Large baking dish (9×13 recommended)
• Large skillet (if sautéing fresh spinach)
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spoon or spatula for mixing

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 2 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
• 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or milk)
• 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 garlic cloves, minced (or 1/2 tsp garlic powder)
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: 1/2 cup sautéed mushrooms or 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor

Directions:

• Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Prepare Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, heavy cream (or milk), sour cream, garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
• Mix Casserole: Add shredded chicken, fresh spinach, and half of the mozzarella cheese to the sauce. If you’re adding mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes, fold them in as well. Mix everything together until well coated.
• Assemble Casserole: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
• Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
• Bake: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
• Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, if desired.

Tips

• Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
• For extra flavor, sauté the spinach with garlic and olive oil before mixing it into the casserole.
• Add sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.
• If you want a crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before baking.

Conclusion

This Creamy Chicken Florentine Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. Packed with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, it’s a dish that’s simple to prepare and sure to impress. Pair it with pasta, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal the whole family will love.

Creamy Chicken Florentine Casserole Recipe

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This Creamy Chicken Florentine Casserole is a rich, flavorful, and satisfying dinner that’s perfect for family meals or special occasions. Made with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, it’s a warm and cozy dish that feels fancy but is incredibly easy to make. Serve it with pasta, rice, or a side salad for a complete meal that everyone will love.

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

• Large baking dish (9×13 recommended)

• Large skillet (if sautéing fresh spinach)

• Mixing bowl

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Spoon or spatula for mixing

• 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 2 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
• 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or milk)
• 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 garlic cloves, minced (or 1/2 tsp garlic powder)
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: 1/2 cup sautéed mushrooms or 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

• In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, heavy cream (or milk), sour cream, garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.

• Add shredded chicken, fresh spinach, and half of the mozzarella cheese to the sauce. If you’re adding mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes, fold them in as well. Mix everything together until well coated.

• Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Spread it out evenly.

• Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.

• Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.

• Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, if desired.

Keyword Chicken Florentine Casserole