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Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4 from 40 reviews
  • Author: Elina
  • 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 Carb

Description

This Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is a rich and comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts layered with a creamy spinach and cheese mixture, all baked to golden, bubbly perfection. Ideal for a family dinner, it combines simple ingredients to create a flavorful and satisfying main course.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1⁄2 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

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Set aside.
  2. Prepare Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts horizontally to create four thin cutlets. Pound the thicker parts with a rolling pin to ensure even thickness for cooking.
  3. Marinate Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Add chicken cutlets, toss to coat evenly, then cover and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to marinate.
  4. Wilt Spinach: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add fresh spinach and cook, stirring frequently, until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  5. Make Creamy Mixture: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the wilted spinach, 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese if using. Mix until fully combined and smooth.
  6. Prepare Chicken for Baking: Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Optionally, sear the chicken cutlets in the skillet for 1-2 minutes per side to develop a light crust. Then arrange them in a single layer in the greased baking dish.
  7. Assemble Casserole: Spread the creamy spinach and cheese mixture evenly over the chicken cutlets. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese over the top.
  8. Bake: Bake uncovered for 20-30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F or 74°C) and the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
  9. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole stand for 5 minutes to set before serving. Enjoy this creamy, cheesy chicken and spinach casserole warm.

Notes

  • Use chicken cutlets if available to save prep time and ensure even thickness.
  • If using frozen spinach instead of fresh, thaw completely and squeeze out excess water to avoid a watery casserole.
  • For best flavor, sear chicken briefly before baking, though this step can be skipped for convenience.
  • Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor and golden color.

Find it online: https://recipes.mbeams.com/creamy-chicken-and-spinach-casserole-with-cream-cheese-recipe/