Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese

why make this recipe

Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is a delicious and satisfying meal. It combines tender chicken breasts with fresh spinach and creamy cheese. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. It is hearty, flavorful, and easy to make, making it a great option for any home cook.

how to make Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese

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

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cut each chicken breast in half horizontally to create four thin cutlets. Pound the thicker ends to ensure even thickness.
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. In a skillet, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Add spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Set aside.
5. Beat softened cream cheese in a bowl, then stir in spinach and 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (and Parmesan if using).
6. Optionally, sear the marinated chicken in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes per side for added flavor.
7. Arrange the chicken in the baking dish, spread the cream cheese and spinach mixture over it, and top with remaining mozzarella.
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. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

how to serve Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese

Serve the casserole warm right from the oven. It pairs nicely with a side of garlic bread, a fresh salad, or some steamed vegetables. Each bite is creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor, making it a favorite for everyone at the table.

how to store Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese

To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for about 2-3 months. Just make sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving.

tips to make Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese

• For extra flavor, let the chicken marinate longer if you have the time.
• You can add other vegetables, like mushrooms or bell peppers, for added nutrition and taste.
• Using fresh spices can enhance the flavor of the casserole even more.
• Consider using a mix of cheeses for a more complex flavor.

variation

If you want to mix things up, try using different types of cheese, such as cheddar or pepper jack, instead of mozzarella. You can also add some cooked pasta to the casserole for a heartier dish.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen spinach?
  Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just thaw it and make sure to drain any excess moisture before mixing it with the cream cheese.

• Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?
  Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge before baking. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

• Can I substitute chicken with another protein?
  Absolutely! This recipe works well with turkey or even cooked shredded beef for a different twist.

Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese

A delicious and satisfying casserole combining tender chicken breasts with fresh spinach and creamy cheese, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main 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

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Cut each chicken breast in half horizontally to create four thin cutlets. Pound the thicker ends to ensure even thickness.
• 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.
• In a skillet, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Add spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Set aside.
• Beat softened cream cheese in a bowl, then stir in spinach and 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (and Parmesan if using).

Cooking

• Optionally, sear the marinated chicken in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes per side for added flavor.
• Arrange the chicken in the baking dish, spread the cream cheese and spinach mixture over it, and top with remaining mozzarella.
• 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.
• Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, let the chicken marinate longer if you have the time. You can add other vegetables, like mushrooms or bell peppers, for added nutrition and taste. Using fresh spices can enhance the flavor of the casserole even more. Consider using a mix of cheeses for a more complex flavor.

Keyword Chicken Casserole, Cream Cheese Chicken, Spinach Casserole