Save My sister brought this to a potluck without telling anyone it was her first attempt at a casserole. Three people asked for the recipe before dessert even came out. The sun-dried tomatoes give it this tangy sweetness that cuts through all the cream, and the Ritz topping tastes like comfort itself. I've made it for weeknight dinners and baby showers alike. It reheats beautifully, which means leftovers never feel like a compromise. Every time I pull it from the oven, someone wanders into the kitchen asking what smells so good.
I made this the night my brother announced his engagement, and we ate it straight from the pan with forks while toasting with cheap wine. It became our accidental celebration dish. Now every time I fold in the spinach and watch it wilt into that creamy mixture, I think about how food has a way of marking the moments that matter. This casserole has been on my table for book club meetings, sick neighbor drop-offs, and lazy Sundays when I just wanted something warm and easy. It never fails to make people feel cared for.
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken breast: Rotisserie chicken is your best friend here, already seasoned and juicy without any extra work.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Use the oil-packed kind for deeper flavor, but drain them well or the casserole gets greasy.
- Baby spinach: It wilts down to almost nothing, sneaking in color and nutrition without anyone noticing.
- Yellow onion: Dice it fine so it melts into the sauce and adds sweetness without chunks.
- Garlic: Fresh cloves bring sharpness that jarred garlic just cannot match.
- Heavy cream: This is what makes the sauce rich and velvety, no shortcuts here.
- Chicken broth: Low-sodium gives you control over the salt and keeps it from tasting tinny.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts into silky strands and adds mild creaminess.
- Parmesan cheese: The salty, nutty backbone that makes the whole thing sing.
- Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese blends smoothly and thickens the sauce without flour.
- Italian herbs: Dried works perfectly, bringing oregano and basil notes without fuss.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Optional but adds a tiny kick that wakes up all the richness.
- Ritz cracker crumbs: Buttery, salty, and they turn golden and crispy in the oven.
- Unsalted butter: Melted and tossed with the crackers for that irresistible topping.
Instructions
- Prep the oven and dish:
- Set your oven to 375°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish lightly with butter or nonstick spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Sauté the aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Toss in the garlic and stir for another minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Wilt the greens:
- Add the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach to the skillet, stirring until the spinach collapses into the mixture, about 2 minutes. The kitchen will smell like an Italian grandmother's house.
- Melt in the cream cheese:
- Lower the heat and drop in the softened cream cheese, stirring constantly until it melts into a smooth base. This step is key for a lump-free sauce.
- Build the sauce:
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then sprinkle in the Italian herbs, red pepper flakes if using, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer gently for 2 minutes to marry the flavors.
- Add the cheeses:
- Stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan, watching them melt into a glossy, creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Fold in the chicken:
- Add the cooked chicken and stir until every piece is coated in that luxurious sauce. Remove the skillet from the heat.
- Transfer to the baking dish:
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly in your prepared dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Top with cracker crumbs:
- In a bowl, toss the Ritz cracker crumbs with melted butter until every crumb is coated, then sprinkle evenly over the casserole. Press down lightly so it stays put.
- Bake until golden:
- Slide the dish into the oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, until the edges bubble and the topping turns golden brown. The smell will make everyone gather in the kitchen.
- Rest and garnish:
- Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens slightly. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if you want a pop of green.
Save The first time I served this to my in-laws, my father-in-law had three helpings and asked if I'd share the recipe with his poker group. It became the dish I bring when I want to impress without stressing. There is something about the way the creamy sauce mingles with the salty cracker topping that makes people quiet down and just eat. It is the kind of food that turns a regular dinner into a memory.
Making It Ahead
You can assemble the entire casserole up to the point of adding the cracker topping, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes, add the buttery cracker topping, and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed. This trick has saved me on busy nights when I wanted a homemade meal without the last-minute scramble. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it taste even better.
Swaps and Variations
If you want to lighten it up, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half, though the sauce will be slightly thinner. You can also stir in a cup of cooked pasta like penne or rigatoni to stretch it further and make it heartier. I have added artichoke hearts and swapped the spinach for kale when that is what I had on hand. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free crackers and check your broth and seasonings for hidden wheat.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted asparagus or garlic green beans also work well on the side. A chilled glass of Chardonnay complements the creamy sauce, but iced tea or sparkling water with lemon are just as nice. Serve it family-style and watch people go back for seconds.
- Make sure the baking dish is truly greased or the cheesy edges will stick and tear when serving.
- If reheating leftovers, add a splash of broth or cream to bring the sauce back to life.
- Fresh parsley is optional but adds a bright note that balances all the richness.
Save Every time I make this casserole, someone asks if it is hard, and I just smile because it feels like a secret how easy it really is. It is proof that the best dishes are the ones that taste like you fussed but really just let good ingredients do the work.
Recipe Help
- → What chicken works best for this dish?
Rotisserie or poached chicken breast works well, providing tender shredded or cubed pieces that absorb the creamy sauce.
- → Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate it before baking. Just bake uncovered until heated through and the topping is golden.
- → What can I substitute for Ritz cracker crumbs?
Breadcrumbs or crushed buttery crackers can be used to achieve a similar crunchy topping.
- → Is it possible to lighten the creamy sauce?
Using half-and-half instead of heavy cream reduces richness while maintaining creaminess.
- → What sides pair well with this casserole?
Fresh green salads and crisp white wines like Chardonnay complement this dish nicely.
- → Can I add pasta or rice to this dish?
Yes, adding cooked pasta or rice makes the casserole heartier and stretches servings.