Spinach Greek Chicken Casserole

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How to make a hearty Spinach Greek Chicken Casserole with shredded chicken, kalamata olives, and golden melted cheese in one baking dish.

sarah mae carter for recipes by clare
By Sarah Mae Carter
Updated on Sat, 18 Apr 2026 12:03:50 GMT
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Spinach Greek Chicken Casserole is the kind of weeknight dinner that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen but takes just 40 minutes from start to finish. Packed with shredded chicken, vibrant spinach, kalamata olives, and a rich tomato sauce all topped with golden feta and melted mozzarella, it delivers bold Mediterranean flavors in one simple baking dish. I love how it feels indulgent but still delivers serious protein in every serving.

I still remember throwing this together on a busy Tuesday night with leftover rotisserie chicken and a can of tomatoes sitting on my counter. The smell of oregano and basil filling the kitchen while that bubbly cheese browned on top was pure comfort. This Greek chicken casserole checks every box: one dish, minimal cleanup, and crowd-pleasing flavor that even picky eaters devour. It is the kind of recipe you bookmark and actually make again.

Everything You Need to Build This Greek Casserole

I always say that great ingredients make a great casserole. A few smart choices here make a real difference in the final result. Pro tip: rotisserie chicken is your best friend for this recipe – it is pre-seasoned, tender, and saves you a full cooking step.

For the Casserole:

  • 10 oz rotini pasta (Barilla is my go-to for the best al dente texture)
  • 5 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cut into 1-inch chunks (rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
  • 32 oz tomato sauce (Hunt’s recommended for a rich, smooth base)
  • 14 oz diced tomatoes
  • 12 oz fresh spinach (or frozen – see tips below)
  • 1/2 cup kalamata olives, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1/4 cup green pepper, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

For the Topping:

  • 3/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled into small chunks (the tangier the better)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (Sargento melts beautifully and evenly)

Personal tip: Always crumble your feta by hand into chunky, uneven pieces rather than fine crumbles. Those bigger pockets give you intense bursts of briny flavor throughout every serving of this Spinach Greek Chicken Casserole.

Spinach Greek Chicken Casserole in a 9x13 baking dish with golden melted mozzarella and crumbled feta on top

How to Make Spinach Greek Chicken Casserole Step by Step

I recommend prepping all your vegetables and cheese before the pasta water even hits the stove. That one habit makes the whole assembly flow smoothly and keeps everything at the right temperature.

Step 1 – Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. While it heats up, dice your red onion and green pepper into small uniform pieces, slice the kalamata olives into 1/4-inch rounds, mince the garlic, and crumble the feta into chunky pieces. Having everything ready before the pasta cooks prevents anything from sitting too long and getting soggy.

Step 2 – Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a full boil and add the rotini. Cook according to package directions until just al dente, about 9 to 10 minutes. Drain thoroughly in a colander but do not rinse the pasta. That surface starch is what helps everything bind together into a cohesive, sliceable casserole. Set aside to cool slightly while you mix the filling.

Step 3 – Mix the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, shredded chicken, spinach, red onion, green pepper, and minced garlic. Add the dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes, then stir well so the seasonings are evenly distributed. Fold in the cooked rotini and sliced kalamata olives last, mixing until every piece is coated in that rich, herby tomato sauce. The spinach will look like a lot at first but it wilts down during baking.

Step 4 – Assemble the Casserole: Pour the entire filling mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out into an even layer from edge to edge. Scatter the crumbled feta evenly across the top first, then follow with an even layer of shredded mozzarella over everything. This layering gives you the tang of feta underneath with a smooth, golden melt on top.

Step 5 – Bake and Rest: Bake at 400 degrees F for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbling around the edges, and lightly golden on top. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 3 to 5 minutes before serving. This short rest lets everything set so each scoop holds its shape cleanly on the plate. For extra golden cheese, broil for the last 2 to 3 minutes and watch it closely to prevent burning.

The Best Sides for Spinach Greek Chicken Casserole

This casserole pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides that balance its bold, savory flavors. Here are the best sides for Spinach Greek Chicken Casserole that round out the meal.

Simple Green Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette: The bright acidity of a lemon dressing cuts right through the richness of the tomato sauce and melted cheese, keeping every bite feeling fresh and balanced.

Warm Pita Bread: Soft, pillowy pita is perfect for scooping up the saucy filling and adds a satisfying, bread-forward element that makes the meal feel more complete.

Greek Salad with Cucumber and Extra Feta: A classic Greek salad echoes the Mediterranean flavors already in the casserole and adds welcome crunch and coolness alongside the warm, cheesy dish.

Roasted Vegetables: A simple tray of roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli adds color, extra fiber, and a slightly caramelized sweetness that pairs beautifully with the herby tomato base.

More Greek and Mediterranean Recipes You Will Love

If this Spinach Greek Chicken Casserole hit the spot, there are plenty of bold Mediterranean flavors waiting in the kitchen. The Greek Chicken Pasta Salad makes a perfect lighter companion dish or next-day lunch, while the Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta delivers that same bright, tangy profile in a simple skillet format.

For more one-dish dinners the whole table will enjoy, the hearty French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole is a cozy baked favorite with deep, savory flavor, and the Mediterranean Chicken with Lemons and Olives brings the same kalamata olive-forward taste to a quick stovetop meal. Any of these pair wonderfully alongside warm pita or a crisp green salad.

Storing and Reheating Your Greek Chicken Casserole

This Spinach Greek Chicken Casserole stores and reheats well, making it one of the best choices for weekly meal prep.

Leftovers keep covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

To reheat in the oven, cover the dish with foil and warm at 350 degrees F for 15 to 20 minutes until heated through. For a single serving, microwave in 1 to 2 minute intervals until hot all the way through.

I recommend adding a small splash of water or extra tomato sauce before reheating if the casserole looks a little dry. It revives the texture quickly and makes it taste freshly made.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Recipe

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen spinach works well in this Spinach Greek Chicken Casserole. Thaw it completely first and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible using a clean kitchen towel. Too much water from frozen spinach can make the casserole watery and prevent the cheese from browning properly.

My casserole came out too dry. What went wrong?

This usually happens if the pasta was cooked past al dente before baking, or if it baked too long. Pull the pasta at the firm side of al dente since it continues softening in the oven. Stirring in an extra 1/2 cup of tomato sauce before baking also helps add more moisture.

Can I assemble this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes first, then bake as directed. Add 5 extra minutes to the bake time if it goes into the oven still cold from the fridge.

Ready to Make This Greek Casserole Tonight?

This Spinach Greek Chicken Casserole is proof that weeknight dinners can be bold, hearty, and easy all at once. With one baking dish, simple pantry ingredients, and 40 minutes of total time, you get a high-protein meal the whole family will request again. Whether you are feeding a crowd or prepping meals for the week, this recipe delivers every single time. Give it a try tonight and enjoy every bubbly, cheesy, herb-packed bite.

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Spinach Greek Chicken Casserole

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A hearty one-dish Greek-inspired casserole packed with shredded chicken, spinach, rotini pasta, kalamata olives, and a rich tomato sauce – topped with golden feta and melted mozzarella. Ready in just 40 minutes.

  • Author: Sarah Mae Carter
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 7 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Bake
  • Cuisine: Greek

Ingredients

Scale
  • 10 oz rotini pasta (Barilla recommended)
  • 5 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 32 oz tomato sauce (Hunt’s recommended)
  • 14 oz diced tomatoes
  • 12 oz fresh spinach
  • 1/2 cup kalamata olives, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1/4 cup green pepper, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 3/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled into small chunks
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (Sargento recommended)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Dice red onion and green pepper, slice kalamata olives into 1/4-inch rounds, mince garlic, and crumble feta before starting the pasta.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a full boil and cook rotini until just al dente, about 9 to 10 minutes. Drain well but do not rinse. Set aside to cool slightly.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, shredded chicken, spinach, red onion, green pepper, and minced garlic. Add basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes and stir well to distribute seasonings evenly.
  4. Fold in the cooked rotini and sliced kalamata olives. Mix until everything is evenly coated in the tomato sauce.
  5. Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer. Scatter crumbled feta evenly across the top, then follow with an even layer of shredded mozzarella.
  6. Bake at 400 degrees F for 25 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbling around the edges, and lightly golden on top. For extra browning, broil for the last 2 to 3 minutes and watch closely.
  7. Remove from oven and let rest for 3 to 5 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set and plate cleanly.

Notes

  • Do not rinse the pasta after draining – surface starch helps bind the casserole together.
  • Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor. Use pre-cooked chicken only.
  • If using frozen spinach, thaw completely and squeeze out all excess moisture before adding.
  • Add a splash of extra tomato sauce before reheating leftovers to restore the saucy texture.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (1/7 of casserole)
  • Calories: 268 kcal
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 890 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg

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