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Close-up slice of Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese—golden, bubbly mozzarella on top, tender chicken and wilted spinach in a creamy sauce, served on a white plate with a fork.

Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese


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  • Author: Aneta
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is the ultimate cozy dinner fix—rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor. Tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a velvety cream cheese sauce bake together under a blanket of golden, melted mozzarella. It’s simple enough for a busy weeknight, yet comforting enough to serve at Sunday dinner.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 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. Preheat the Oven:
    Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

  2. Prepare the Chicken:
    Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to make four thin cutlets. Lightly pound thicker ends to ensure even cooking.

  3. Marinate:
    In a large bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 15–30 minutes.

  4. Cook the Spinach:
    Heat the remaining olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add spinach and cook until wilted (2–3 minutes). Set aside.

  5. Mix the Filling:
    In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Stir in cooked spinach, ½ cup mozzarella, and Parmesan (if using).

  6. Optional – Sear the Chicken:
    For extra flavor, sear marinated chicken in a hot skillet for 1–2 minutes per side until lightly golden.

  7. Assemble the Casserole:
    Arrange chicken in the prepared baking dish. Spread the cream cheese and spinach mixture evenly over the top. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese.

  8. Bake:
    Bake uncovered for 20–30 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and cheese is melted and lightly browned.

  9. Serve:
    Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Pair with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or pasta for a complete meal.

Notes

You can substitute frozen spinach—just thaw completely and squeeze out excess moisture.

For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and part-skim mozzarella.

Make ahead: Assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Leftovers keep beautifully—store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

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

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion
  • Calories: 425 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 560 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 36 g
  • Cholesterol: 125 mg