Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe
This creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender chicken cutlets are marinated and optionally seared, then baked under a rich layer of cream cheese, spinach, and mozzarella for a cheesy, savory meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 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
Spinach and Cheese Mixture
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking during baking.
- Prepare Chicken Cutlets: Cut each chicken breast in half horizontally to create four thin cutlets. Gently pound the thicker ends to ensure even 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 15-30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Sauté Spinach: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 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 sautéed spinach along with 1/2 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese if using, combining into a creamy mixture.
- Optional Searing of Chicken: For added flavor and texture, sear the marinated chicken cutlets in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes per side until lightly browned. This step is optional but recommended.
- Assemble Casserole: Arrange the chicken cutlets evenly in the prepared baking dish. Spread the cream cheese and spinach mixture evenly over the chicken. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), and the cheese is melted and lightly browned on top.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and the dish to set.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is pounded to even thickness to avoid uneven cooking.
- Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor.
- Searing the chicken before baking enhances flavor but can be skipped to save time.
- Use fresh spinach for best texture and flavor; frozen spinach can be used if well-drained.
- Check the internal temperature of chicken to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
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