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
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2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
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¼ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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2 cups fresh spinach
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8 ounces cream cheese, softened
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
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½ cup Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. -
Prepare the Chicken:
Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to make four thin cutlets. Lightly pound thicker ends to ensure even cooking. -
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. -
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. -
Mix the Filling:
In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Stir in cooked spinach, ½ cup mozzarella, and Parmesan (if using). -
Optional – Sear the Chicken:
For extra flavor, sear marinated chicken in a hot skillet for 1–2 minutes per side until lightly golden. -
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. -
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. -
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