Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe

Introduction

This Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is a creamy, flavorful dish perfect for a comforting dinner. With tender chicken breasts, fresh spinach, and a cheesy sauce, it’s simple to prepare and sure to please the whole family.

Ingredients

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, optional

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Step 2: Cut each chicken breast in half horizontally to create four thin cutlets. Pound the thicker ends to ensure even thickness.
3. Step 3: In a bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Toss the chicken in the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes.
4. Step 4: In a skillet, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Add spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Set aside.
5. Step 5: Beat softened cream cheese in a bowl, then stir in spinach and 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (and Parmesan if using).
6. Step 6: Optionally, sear the marinated chicken in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes per side for added flavor.
7. Step 7: Arrange the chicken in the baking dish, spread the cream cheese and spinach mixture over it, and top with remaining mozzarella.
8. Step 8: Bake for 20-30 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
9. Step 9: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for a full hour or overnight in the refrigerator.
• Try adding sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes to the spinach mixture for extra depth.
• Use low-fat cream cheese and cheese options to lighten the dish without sacrificing creaminess.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze the casserole for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can substitute frozen spinach. Be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out excess moisture before cooking to avoid a watery casserole.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for several hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 54 reviews

A creamy and flavorful Chicken and Spinach Casserole with cream cheese and mozzarella, featuring tender chicken breasts marinated with Italian seasoning and garlic, cooked with sautéed spinach, and baked to perfection with a cheesy topping. This comforting casserole is simple to prepare and perfect for a delicious family meal.

• Author: Sienna
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Salt

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Spinach and Cheese Mixture

• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, optional

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Prepare Chicken: Cut each chicken breast horizontally in half to create four thin cutlets. Pound the thicker parts gently to even out the thickness for uniform cooking.
3. Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Toss the chicken cutlets in this marinade, cover, and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to infuse flavor.
4. Sauté Spinach: Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat and set aside.
5. Mix Cheese and Spinach: In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Stir in the sautéed spinach, 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese if using, creating a creamy filling.
6. Sear Chicken (Optional): For added flavor, sear the marinated chicken cutlets in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes per side until lightly browned. This step enhances texture and taste but can be skipped if preferred.
7. Assemble Casserole: Arrange the chicken cutlets evenly in the prepared baking dish. Spread the cream cheese and spinach mixture uniformly over the chicken, then sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella on top.
8. Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
9. Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and juices to redistribute before serving.

Notes

• For a richer flavor, searing the chicken before baking is recommended but optional.
• Fresh spinach can be substituted with frozen spinach, just ensure it is thoroughly drained after cooking.
• You can omit Parmesan cheese to reduce sodium or if you prefer a milder cheese flavor.
• Ensure chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
• This casserole pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Keywords: Chicken casserole, spinach casserole, cream cheese chicken, baked chicken, Italian seasoning chicken, cheesy chicken bake