Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe

Introduction

This Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is a creamy, comforting dish perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner. Tender chicken cutlets paired with fresh spinach and rich cheeses create a deliciously satisfying meal the whole family will love.

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 the cooked 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 prepared baking dish, spread the cream cheese and spinach mixture evenly over the top, and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
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 red pepper flakes to the marinade.
• Use frozen spinach if fresh isn’t available, but be sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before mixing with cream cheese.
• Swap mozzarella for provolone or fontina cheese for a different taste profile.
• Adding sliced mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes can enhance the casserole’s texture and flavor.
• Searing the chicken before baking adds a nice golden crust and depth of flavor, but it’s optional.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions. This dish can also be frozen; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other greens instead of spinach?

Yes, you can substitute kale, Swiss chard, or arugula. Just make sure to cook and drain them well before mixing with the cream cheese to avoid excess moisture.

Is it necessary to sear the chicken before baking?

No, searing is optional. It adds a nice browned crust and additional flavor, but you can skip this step if you’re short on time or prefer a softer texture.

Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 136 reviews

• Author: Ella
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Salt

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Description

A creamy and flavorful chicken casserole featuring tender chicken breasts baked with a luscious mixture of cream cheese, fresh spinach, and melted mozzarella. This hearty dish is seasoned with garlic and Italian herbs, making it a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners.

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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)

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Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare baking dish. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking during cooking.
2. Prepare chicken cutlets. Cut each chicken breast in half horizontally to create four thin cutlets. Pound the thicker ends gently to ensure even thickness, which helps the chicken cook uniformly.
3. Marinate chicken. In a bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Toss the chicken cutlets in this marinade to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to allow flavors to infuse.
4. Sauté spinach. Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
5. Mix cream cheese and cheeses. In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Stir in the sautéed spinach, 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese if using, until well combined.
6. Optional searing of chicken. For additional flavor, sear the marinated chicken cutlets in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes per side until lightly browned, but not fully cooked through.
7. Assemble casserole. Arrange the chicken cutlets evenly in the prepared baking dish. Spread the cream cheese and spinach mixture over the chicken. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese.
8. Bake the casserole. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the cheese on top is melted and lightly browned.
9. Rest before serving. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes serving easier.

Notes

• For extra flavor, searing the chicken before baking is recommended but optional.
• Use fresh spinach for best texture; frozen spinach can be substituted but should be thoroughly drained.
• The Parmesan cheese adds a nice depth but can be omitted for a milder flavor or to reduce sodium.
• Ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to avoid undercooking.
• This casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: chicken casserole, spinach casserole, cream cheese chicken, baked chicken dish, easy chicken dinner