Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe

Introduction

This Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is a comforting, cheesy dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender chicken is layered with a creamy spinach mixture and topped with melty mozzarella for a crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• ½ 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 ½ 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, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the spinach mixture.
• Substitute fresh spinach with frozen chopped spinach; just be sure to thaw and drain well before using.
• Try adding sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes to the cream cheese mixture for a twist.
• Using a meat thermometer ensures your chicken is cooked safely without drying out.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals stirring midway to maintain creamy texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake it just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.

What can I serve with this chicken and spinach casserole?

This dish pairs well with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread to complete the meal.

Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 89 reviews

This Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is a comforting and creamy baked dish perfect for a hearty dinner. Tender chicken cutlets are marinated with garlic and Italian seasoning, layered with sautéed spinach and a rich cream cheese mixture, then baked until golden and bubbly. It’s a delicious way to enjoy a flavorful, cheesy, and nutritious meal in under an hour.

• Author: Joe
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• 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
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Spinach and Cheese Mixture

• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, optional

Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare chicken cutlets: Cut each chicken breast in half horizontally to create four thin cutlets. Pound the thicker ends to ensure even thickness for consistent 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 build 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 to cool slightly.
5. Mix cream cheese and cheese: In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Stir in the sautéed spinach, ½ cup shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese if using, to create a creamy spinach mixture.
6. Optional sear of chicken: For enhanced flavor, sear the marinated chicken cutlets in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes on each side until lightly browned but not cooked through.
7. Assemble casserole: Arrange the chicken cutlets evenly in the prepared baking dish. Spread the cream cheese and spinach mixture evenly over the chicken. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup mozzarella cheese on top.
8. Bake the casserole: Bake 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 casserole from oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle and the casserole to set.

Notes

• For extra flavor, searing the chicken before baking is recommended but optional.
• Use fresh spinach for best texture, but frozen spinach (thawed and drained) can be substituted.
• Parmesan cheese adds a salty depth but can be omitted for a milder dish.
• Ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before serving.
• This casserole can be prepared ahead by assembling it and storing it in the fridge before baking.

Keywords: Chicken casserole, spinach casserole, cream cheese chicken, baked chicken casserole, easy dinner, creamy spinach chicken