Description

This creamy and indulgent Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any night of the week. Tender, seasoned chicken breasts are combined with sautéed fresh spinach and rich, softened cream cheese, then topped with melted mozzarella and optional Parmesan for a gooey, satisfying casserole baked to perfection.

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

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided (1 tbsp for marinade, 1 tbsp for spinach)
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 it for the casserole.
Prepare Chicken: Cut each chicken breast horizontally into two thin cutlets, ensuring there are four pieces total. Pound the thicker ends 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 to 30 minutes to infuse flavors.
Sauté Spinach: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the spinach and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
Mix Cream Cheese and Spinach: Beat the softened cream cheese in a bowl until smooth. Stir in the cooked spinach, 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese if using, creating a creamy spinach-cheese mixture.
Sear Chicken (Optional): For enhanced flavor, sear the marinated chicken cutlets in a hot skillet for 1 to 2 minutes per side until lightly browned. This step is optional but adds a nice depth to the casserole.
Assemble Casserole: Arrange the chicken pieces evenly in the prepared baking dish. Spread the cream cheese and spinach mixture over the chicken, then sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese on top.
Bake Casserole: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 30 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the cheese on top is melted and lightly browned.
Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle and the dish to cool slightly.

Notes

Optionally sear the chicken before baking to add a richer flavor and better color.
You can substitute fresh spinach with frozen spinach that has been thawed and well-drained.
If you prefer a lower fat option, reduce the amount of cream cheese or use a lighter cream cheese variant.
Ensure chicken is cooked through by checking the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
This casserole pairs well with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 15-30 minutes marinating time)
Cook Time: 25 minutes (including optional searing and baking)
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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