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Chicken Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese served in a baking dish

Cozy Spinach and Chicken Casserole with Cream Cheese

A creamy and hearty casserole featuring tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and flavorful cream cheese, perfect for weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts Look for fresh chicken for best flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided Use one for marinating and one for cooking spinach.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning You can make your own blend if you don't have it.
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups fresh spinach Opt for vibrant green spinach leaves.
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened Choose full-fat for a richer taste.
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided Reserve half for topping.
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese (optional)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
  2. Halve the chicken breasts horizontally to create four thin cutlets. Pound the thicker areas with a meat mallet to ensure even cooking.
  3. In a large bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Toss the chicken cutlets in the mixture until coated, then cover and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes.
  4. Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add fresh spinach and sauté for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Set aside.
  5. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until creamy. Stir in the sautéed spinach and ½ cup of mozzarella cheese until well combined.
Assembly and Cooking
  1. Lay the marinated chicken cutlets in a single layer in the baking dish. Spread the spinach and cream cheese mixture over the chicken, then top with the remaining mozzarella.
  2. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and golden.
  3. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

Notes

For a twist, try adding seasonal vegetables or swapping out cheeses. This casserole can also be prepared ahead of time and frozen for later.