Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
