Description
This Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is a creamy and indulgent dish perfect for busy nights. Tender chicken breasts are paired with rich cream cheese, sautéed spinach, and gooey mozzarella, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s both comforting and delicious. Easily customizable with different cheeses and veggies, this casserole is ideal for meal prep and will soon become a favorite weeknight dinner for the whole family.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 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
For the 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 Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare Chicken: Cut each chicken breast in half horizontally to create thin cutlets. Pound to even thickness.
- Marinate Chicken: Whisk 1 tablespoon olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Marinate chicken for 15-30 minutes.
- Sauté Spinach: Cook spinach in remaining oil until wilted. Set aside.
- Make Cheese Mixture: Beat cream cheese, then mix in spinach and ½ cup mozzarella (plus Parmesan if using).
- Cook Chicken: Optionally sear marinated chicken for extra flavor.
- Assemble Casserole: Arrange chicken in dish, top with cheese mixture, sprinkle with remaining mozzarella.
- Bake: Bake for 20-30 minutes until chicken is cooked through and cheese is melted.
- Rest and Serve: Let casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can use frozen spinach, just be sure to thaw and remove excess moisture.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts for a juicier option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 140mg