Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe
Introduction
This Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender chicken breasts are combined with creamy spinach and cheese, then baked to golden perfection. It’s simple to make 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
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Step 2: Cut each chicken breast in half horizontally to create four thin cutlets. Pound the thicker ends to ensure even thickness.
- Step 3: In a bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Toss the chicken in the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes.
- Step 4: 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.
- Step 5: In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Stir in the cooked spinach and 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Add Parmesan cheese if using.
- Step 6: Optionally, sear the marinated chicken cutlets in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes per side for extra flavor.
- Step 7: Arrange the chicken cutlets in the prepared baking dish. Spread the cream cheese and spinach mixture evenly over the chicken, then top with the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese.
- Step 8: Bake 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.
- Step 9: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.
Tips & Variations
- Use frozen spinach if fresh is unavailable; be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess water before cooking.
- For a richer flavor, add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the spinach while cooking.
- Swap mozzarella for provolone or gouda for a different cheesy twist.
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms to the cream cheese mixture for extra texture and taste.
- Serve over cooked pasta or rice to make it a complete meal.
Storage
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in short bursts to avoid drying out the chicken.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it uncovered for up to 4 hours before baking. This helps the flavors meld together.
Is it necessary to sear the chicken before baking?
Searing the chicken is optional but recommended as it adds extra flavor and helps lock in moisture. If short on time, you can skip this step and bake directly.
Print
Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A creamy and flavorful Chicken and Spinach Casserole featuring tender chicken breasts marinated in Italian seasoning and garlic, combined with sautéed spinach and cream cheese, then baked to perfection with mozzarella and optional Parmesan cheese for a delicious, comforting main dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Marinade
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Spinach and Cheese Mixture
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 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 prepare for baking the casserole.
- Prepare Chicken: Cut each chicken breast in half horizontally to create four thin cutlets, then pound the thicker ends to ensure even thickness for uniform cooking.
- 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 the 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 the fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Stir in the sautéed spinach, 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese if using, combining into a creamy blend.
- Optional Sear Chicken: For added flavor, sear the marinated chicken cutlets in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes per side until lightly browned but not fully cooked.
- Assemble Casserole: Arrange the chicken cutlets evenly in the prepared baking dish. Spread the cream cheese and spinach mixture over the top of the chicken, then sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese evenly over the casserole.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake 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 on top.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and juices to redistribute.
Notes
- Be sure to pound the chicken cutlets to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking.
- The optional searing step adds extra flavor but can be skipped to save time.
- Feel free to substitute fresh spinach with frozen spinach, just be sure to thaw and drain excess water before mixing.
- If you prefer, use other cheeses such as provolone or gouda for a different flavor profile.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chicken casserole, spinach casserole, cream cheese chicken, baked chicken dish, Italian seasoning chicken, cheesy chicken recipe
