Name: Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1⁄2 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

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When it comes to comfort food, casseroles are always at the top of the list. They’re hearty, flavorful, and perfect for feeding a family or meal prepping for the week.

Today, I’m sharing a recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your household: Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese. This dish is creamy, cheesy, and packed with wholesome ingredients that make it both satisfying and delicious. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare!

Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this casserole has you covered. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe so special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy and Cheesy Goodness: The combination of cream cheese, mozzarella, and optional Parmesan creates a rich, decadent flavor that’s hard to resist.
Healthy Spinach Boost: Fresh spinach adds a pop of color, nutrients, and a subtle earthiness that balances the richness of the cheese.
Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients to make this dish.
Customizable: You can easily tweak the recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to create this creamy masterpiece:

Chicken: Two large boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star of the show. Cutting them into cutlets ensures even cooking.
Olive Oil: Adds flavor and helps cook the spinach and marinate the chicken.
Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the dish with aromatic goodness.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds depth and a touch of Mediterranean flair.
Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts beautifully and pairs perfectly with the cream cheese.
Cream Cheese: The base of the creamy mixture that ties everything together.
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts into gooey perfection on top of the casserole.
Parmesan Cheese (Optional): For an extra cheesy kick, sprinkle in some Parmesan.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This recipe is straightforward and comes together in just a few steps. Here’s how to make it:

1. Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray and set it aside.

2. Prepare the Chicken

Cut each chicken breast in half horizontally to create four cutlets. Use a rolling pin or meat mallet to pound the thicker ends until they’re of even thickness. This step ensures the chicken cooks evenly.

3. Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the bowl, toss to coat, then cover and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes. This quick marinade infuses the chicken with flavor.

4. Cook the Spinach

Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the fresh spinach and cook, stirring frequently, until wilted (about 2-3 minutes). Set it aside to cool slightly.

5. Make the Creamy Spinach Mixture

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Stir in the wilted spinach, 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese if using. Mix until well combined.

6. Assemble the Casserole

Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off. If you’d like, you can sear the chicken in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes per side for added flavor. Arrange the chicken cutlets in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.

Spread the creamy spinach mixture evenly over the chicken. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese on top.

7. Bake

Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F) and the cheese is melted and lightly browned.

8. Rest and Serve

Let the casserole stand for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together perfectly. Serve warm and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Success

Use Chicken Cutlets: If you’re short on time, buy pre-cut chicken cutlets from the store. They’re evenly sized and save you a step in preparation.
Drain Frozen Spinach: If you’re using frozen spinach instead of fresh, make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess liquid. This prevents your casserole from becoming watery.
Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to toss in some sautéed mushrooms or diced bell peppers for added texture and flavor.
Make It Spicy: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cream cheese mixture.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of tender chicken, creamy spinach filling, and melted cheese creates a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. The Italian seasoning adds an herby note that complements both the chicken and spinach beautifully. Baking everything together allows the flavors to meld while creating that irresistible golden cheese crust on top.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is hearty enough to stand on its own but pairs wonderfully with simple sides like:

A crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
Steamed or roasted vegetables
Garlic bread or dinner rolls
Buttered noodles or rice

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop individual portions in the microwave or cover the whole dish with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

Final Thoughts

Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug in food form. It’s simple to make yet tastes like something you’d order at a cozy restaurant. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this dish is sure to impress.

Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out! I’d love to hear your feedback or any creative twists you add to make it your own. Happy cooking!