Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe
This Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is a creamy, savory baked dish featuring tender chicken cutlets smothered in a rich mixture of cream cheese, spinach, and melted cheeses. Perfectly seasoned with Italian herbs and garlic, this comforting casserole combines the wholesome goodness of spinach with the indulgence of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses for a delicious family meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut horizontally into 4 cutlets)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for marinating)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced fresh)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing spinach)
Spinach and Cheese Filling
- 2 cups fresh spinach (packed)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (optional but recommended)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare for assembling the casserole.
- Prepare Chicken: Slice each chicken breast horizontally into 4 thin cutlets. If necessary, gently pound the cutlets to ensure even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, combine 1 tablespoon olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Coat the chicken cutlets thoroughly in this marinade and let them rest for 15 to 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Cook Spinach: Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the fresh spinach and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
- Make Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the cooked spinach, ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese, then mix well to combine the filling.
- Sear Chicken (Optional): For added flavor, sear the marinated chicken cutlets in a hot skillet for 1 to 2 minutes per side until lightly browned. This step is optional but recommended for extra depth of taste.
- Assemble Casserole: Arrange the chicken cutlets in the greased baking dish. Spread the cream cheese and spinach mixture evenly over each cutlet. Finally, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the cheese on top is golden and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and the dish to finish cooking gently.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can sear the chicken cutlets before baking, but this step is optional.
- You can substitute fresh spinach with frozen spinach; just make sure to thaw and thoroughly drain it before mixing.
- Adjust the amount of salt according to preference, especially if using salted cheeses.
- This casserole pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth filling texture.
Keywords: Chicken casserole, spinach casserole, cream cheese chicken, baked chicken recipe, easy casserole, comfort food