There’s something about the aroma of a freshly baked casserole that transports me straight back to my nonna’s cozy kitchen. While her bakes were rich and hearty, I’ve adapted her comforting style into a modern, low-carb version perfect for today’s health-conscious eaters. This Chicken, Spinach & Mushroom Low-Carb Bake blends creamy textures, savory goodness, and nutritious ingredients, making it a guilt-free comfort food for any season.

Whether it’s the warmth of a winter evening or the freshness of a light summer dinner, this dish delivers. It’s high in protein, packed with vegetables, and avoids the heaviness of traditional casseroles thanks to a low-carb profile — without sacrificing flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken, Spinach & Mushroom Low-Carb Bake

• Low in Carbs, High in Flavor: Ideal for keto and low-carb diets.

• One-Pan Meal: Easy cleanup and prep.

• Seasonal Flexibility: Enjoy it hot in winter or with a side salad in summer.

• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will ask for seconds!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 large chicken breasts, cooked and shredded (about 3 cups)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

For the Veggies & Sauce:

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp unsalted butter

• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

• 1½ cups mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button)

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• ½ cup chopped onion

• ½ tsp thyme

• ½ tsp dried basil

Creamy Binding:

• ¾ cup cream cheese (room temperature)

• ½ cup sour cream

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided use)

• ¼ cup chicken broth or heavy cream

Topping:

• 2 tbsp almond flour (optional for crunch)

• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

If you haven’t pre-cooked your chicken, season it with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Bake or pan-sear until cooked through, then shred or dice.

Pro Tip: Use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, cooking until fragrant (about 2 minutes). Add mushrooms and cook for 5–6 minutes, until browned and softened. Stir in the spinach, thyme, and basil. Cook until spinach is wilted. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan, half of the mozzarella, and chicken broth. Stir until smooth. Gently fold in the sautéed vegetables and shredded chicken. Season with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 4: Assemble the Bake

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the mixture into a greased 9×9” baking dish. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella over the top. If desired, mix almond flour and Parmesan and sprinkle for a crispy topping.

Step 5: Bake

Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes or until bubbly and golden. For a crispier top, broil for an additional 2–3 minutes at the end.

Step 6: Serve

Let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm. Pair with a light arugula salad or roasted vegetables.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~390

• Protein: 32g

• Carbohydrates: 6g

• Fat: 26g

• Fiber: 2g

Note: Nutrition may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Tips for Customization

• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cheese and coconut cream.

• Add Heat: Include red pepper flakes for spice lovers.

• Extra Veggies: Add chopped zucchini, bell peppers, or kale.

• More Protein: Swap or add bacon or sausage.

Make It Ahead

This bake is perfect for meal prep. Assemble ahead and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking. You can also freeze the unbaked mixture and bake straight from frozen — just add 10–15 extra minutes of cooking time.

Serving Suggestions

• Winter Comfort: Pair with cauliflower mash and roasted Brussels sprouts.

• Summer Light: Serve alongside a cucumber tomato salad or lemony green beans.

Why It Works All Year Round

This dish shines in every season:

• Winter: The creamy base and hot casserole warmth hit the spot.

• Summer: Lean protein and veggies keep it light and fresh — skip the topping for an even breezier version.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze portions individually for up to 3 months.

• Reheat: Microwave or reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Reader’s Corner

Have you tried this Chicken, Spinach & Mushroom Low-Carb Bake? Let us know in the comments how you customized it! Did you go extra cheesy or sneak in more greens? Share your spin!